In today’s post, we will focus on important behaviors that impact oral health. Of course, effective brushing and flossing are two critical habits for healthy teeth, but there are many more things we can do to keep a healthy smile.
Diet Do’s
- Do eat a nutritious diet with a variety of foods. This is required for overall physical health and a strong immune system.
- Do eat calcium-rich dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt to neutralize acids that are detrimental to the enamel.
Diet Don’ts
- Don’t eat sugary foods. Sugar results in the production of dangerous cavity-causing acids that weaken enamel and lead to decay.
- Don’t snack throughout the day. This speeds up plaque production and subjects the teeth to continual contact with acids.
- Don’t chew on ice. (It really can crack teeth.)
- Don’t drink energy drinks. They have many substances that are dangerous to teeth.
Other Important Tips
- Don’t use your teeth as tools. It is wiser to cut that knotted shoelace than to gnaw at it to try to untangle it.
- Don’t get piercings in or around your mouth.
- Don’t ignore tooth pain or sensitivity.
- If you have children, talk to Drs. Dankworth about water fluoridation. If your municipal water supply is not fluoridated, you may want to give your children fluoride supplements.
- Don’t use a medium or hard bristle toothbrush. It can damage gums.
- If you have an eating disorder—seek professional help immediately. Bulimia and anorexia are extremely damaging to teeth. (Not to mention the toll they take on the heart and other organs.)
We encourage all of our patients to maintain a lifestyle that supports dental health as well as overall physical health. At Oceanside Dental Excellence, we serve the Oceanside area with exceptional dental care including general and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about Invisalign, implant-supported dentures, porcelain veneers, and restorative dentistry.
Contact Oceanside Dental Excellence:
760-439-3400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3762 Mission Ave Ste 104
Oceanside, California
92058
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