Maintaining Healthy teeth and gums is a never ending task … you must brush and floss every day; see the dentist twice a year; and follow the good habits needed to support both your oral and overall health.

Good Habits to Follow

Diet – A healthy daily diet should be made up primarily of fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, and healthy grains. Resorting to a diet that is full of sugar or high carbohydrate foods can lead to plaque build-up on teeth resulting in tooth decay or gum disease. Frozen or canned varieties provide nutritious substitutes when fresh fruits or veggies are not available.

Water – While there are hundreds of things you can select to quench your thirst, the best choice is water. The Body requires sufficient hydration to run efficiently with water being the ideal way. And drinking water helps support saliva that keeps the mouth flushed of harmful bacteria. If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, there are ways to jazz it up … add fresh fruit or one of the many sugar free additives available for more flavor.

Brush your Teeth – The correct way to clean your teeth involves brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste twice every day. Brush a minimum of two minutes – an electric toothbrush is a great tool as it comes with a timer. With the rapid movement of the brush head, it practically does all the work for you.

Floss – Brushing only reaches about two thirds of your teeth’s surfaces; flossing gets what your toothbrush missed.

Regular visits to the dentist can provide preventive services designed to help you maintain great oral health.

Dangerous, Life Altering Habits 

Tobacco use in any form is bad for your body; but it is a proven fact that smokers suffer more tooth loss than non users. And keeping your teeth impacts more than your smile … your ability to chew allows you to eat many healthy foods that missing teeth does not.

Illicit drugs and excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful, but did you know that drinking soda (both regular and diet) can wreak havoc on your teeth and body?

Do all you can to keep your teeth healthy, and as an added bonus you may enjoy better overall health as well.

If it’s time to schedule your next exam and cleaning, contact our team at Thompson Dental today.

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