5 Tips for a Healthy Smile in Chandler
It may be hard to believe, but no one is born with a bright, beautiful smile—not even your dentist. Impeccable oral hygiene takes work—lots of work. But, if you adopt healthy dental habits into your daily routine early on, your mouth will thank you. Here at Mark Arooni DDS in Chandler, we’re offering some valuable tips that will inspire you to start improving the way you care for your teeth sooner rather than later.
Improving Your Smile in Chandler
Tip #1: Brush regularly and properly
When selecting a tooth brush, aim for one with a tapered brush and a comfortable handle. According to your Chandler, AZ dentist, a good general rule of thumb is that you spend roughly three minutes brushing your teeth and do so twice a day. Brush the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth in a circular motion, using just enough pressure to feel the bristles glide between each tooth and along the gumline. Be sure to replace your toothbrush as soon as the bristles begin to fray, which is typically around the three to four month mark.
Tip #2: Floss, floss, floss!
Brushing alone doesn’t get the job done. Plaque can end up stuck in areas unreachable by a toothbrush. And while flossing can be tedious, any dentist will tell you that it’s a vital part of the cleaning process. To ensure optimal results, gently pull the floss in between each tooth in an up-and-down motion and in a C shape along the gumline. Try not to pull the floss too tightly against the gums, causing them to bleed.
Tip #3: Avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth
While consistent brushing and flossing are your best bet for fighting tooth decay and cavities, steering clear of certain foods and drinks known to stain teeth can be just as important. These include beverages like coffee and red wine, as well as highly processed foods like breakfast cereals. Sugar-packed foods pose a particularly big threat to your oral health since sugar boosts acid levels in the mouth.
Tip #4: Avoid smoking
Both your dentist and your doctor will see eye-to-eye on this issue. In addition to lung cancer and heart disease, smoking has been shown to cause gum disease and oral cancer. The tar and nicotine found within tobacco products creates a breeding ground for bacteria, eating away at the gum line and at the bone that supports teeth. To reduce your odds of tooth loss and cancer, the best option is quit smoking all together. Begin by assessing your individual smoking patterns so you can start identifying ways of breaking your dependence.
Tip #5: Schedule regular dental checkups
According to the American Dental Association, you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist about every six months or so. Preventative dentistry is the best way to catch any potential dental issues at an early stage when they’re more treatable and more affordable.
Make an appointment today!
At Mark Arooni DDS in Chandler, we are ready and willing to answer any questions you may have regarding your oral health. Our team is committed to keeping your mouth in tip-top shape and giving you the smile you want and deserve. The clock is ticking! Contact us online or call 480-855-1200 to schedule your appointment today!
