In today’s post, we will concentrate on important behaviors that affect 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 maintain 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 dangerous to 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 tooth decay.
- Don’t snack throughout the day. This revs 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 detrimental to teeth.
Other Important Tips
- Don’t use your teeth as tools. It is better 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, communicate with Dr. Johnson about water fluoridation. If your municipal water supply is not fluoridated, you may want to give your little ones 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 promotes dental health as well as overall physical health. At Jefferson City Dental Care, we serve the Jefferson City area with exceptional dental care including general and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about dental implants, porcelain veneers, prepless veneers and dental crowns.
Contact Jefferson City Dental Care:
573-634-2400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3551 Amazonas Dr
Jefferson City, Missouri
65109
ArticleID 8164