One thing we all have in common is we grow older every day. The signs of aging include thinning hair, wrinkles, skin spots, and a fading smile. Specifically, as we age tooth enamel wears away as teeth yellow and stain.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may have visions of chocolate sweets in your head. However, your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist wants to remind you that even though a little indulgence is okay, good oral health is important if you want to keep your smile looking young and healthy. Here are five secrets you can employ at home.
Floss without Fail
Even one day without flossing opens your gums to attack from bacteria. Therefore, it’s important to floss daily to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Brushing alone does not clean between teeth. Using dental floss helps remove plaque and food particles caught around and under your gum line. Ignore plaque and it hardens into tartar. While brushing and flossing will slow the development of tartar, only your Century City cosmetic dentist can completely remove it.
Watch What You Consume
Yes, eating healthy can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage your weight. However, it also helps with good oral health. Why? Just as there are certain foods and drink that can damage your teeth, there are some that can support help you maintain good dental health. For instance, even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, too much sugar and acid (such as citrus fruit and wine) can cause damage. On the other hand, experts believe calcium-rich foods such as cheese, milk, and nuts protect tooth enamel.
Drink Water Regularly
One of the best ways to counteract the effects of the food and drink you consume is to rinse your mouth with water after you eat and drink. Doing so will minimize any harmful effects. However, keep in mind that your tooth enamel softens during eating and drinking. Don’t brush your teeth for at least half an hour afterwards.
Chew Sugarless Gum
Once you’ve rinsed your mouth with water, you may just want to pop in a piece of sugarless gum. According to the American Dental Society (ADA), chewing gum increases saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and debris. That makes chewing sugarless gum beneficial for older people whose salivary glands have shrunk due to age and for people who take certain medications that reduce saliva output. Just make sure to choose sugarless gum with the ADA seal of approval.
Try OTC Tooth Whitening
One sure-fire way to keep your smile looking good is to keep it looking bright. Over-the-counter tooth whitening systems can help. Toothpastes, gels, and strips all offer some level of stain removal and whitening power. How much will depend on your particular situation. Before choosing one, talk with your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.
Good oral health doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time and energy to keep your smile looking young and healthy.