An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Proper dental prevention and regular check-ups are your best bet for a healthier, pain free, beautiful smile. But how? Isn't brushing and flossing regularly enough? You do floss regularly, right!?!?

No sweat, we're here to help! Here are 5 ways to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, & dental health problems.

Brush Thoroughly

Using a soft bristle toothbrush, gently brush each tooth using back and forth strokes. Make sure you brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of all your teeth.

You should brush for at least 2 minutes as brushing your teeth throroughly will help in removing the plaque and debris build-up that causes bacteria and other oral health issues.

Floss!

You shouldn't miss this step because flossing helps remove any extra debris that a toothbrush can't reach. Flossing daily with a proper technique will reduce your chances for cavities, gum disease and will improve your oral health overall. Ask your dentist and hygienist on good flossing techniques to ensure you're doing the most you can for your teeth.

Eat Healthy

Your choices of food and beverages also play a large role in your dental health and in preventing health issues such as tooth decay. Give your body the good nutrition it needs to grow and maintain good health.

Avoid Foods & Drinks That Are:

• Sugary - Foods and drinks that are high in sugar, especially fruit juices are not healthy choices for your teeth and gums.
• Acidic - Beverages that are high in acidity like soda and coffee can have adverse effects such as demineralization and tooth decay.
• Sticky - Dried fruits like raisins or prunes are perceived as healthy, but these sugary snacks can get stuck and damage your teeth.

Choose Foods & Drinks Like:

• Leafy Greens - Spinach, broccoli, kale
• High-Fiber Fruits and Veggies
• Nuts like Almonds and Legumes
• Unsweetened coffee and tea

Rinse Regularly

Rinsing your mouth with fresh water can be more beneficial than brushing your teeth after every meal. When consuming foods or beverages with high acidity, it weakens the tooth enamel. Brushing right after can be detrimental, as the tooth is weakened after being in contact with high acidity food/drinks. Therefore, gently rinsing your mouth with water is a safer alternative. In addition, alcohol-free mouthwash freshens your breath. It is less harsh than mouthwashes that contain alcohol which can lead to dry mouth and gum disease.

Make Health a Priority in Your Life

Your dental health is influenced by your overall physical health and wellness, so it's important to take care of your whole body. For instance, untreated gum disease is directly linked to heart disease, diabetes, and many other chronic health issues. Speaking and visiting your dentist regularly can help with preventing health problems as well as identifying the early stages of oral cancers and other issues through non-invasive preventive screenings during your dental exams.