Help Avoid Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, Bad Breath, and Stained Teeth

Have you ever wondered what are the basics to maintaining great oral hygiene?  Basic everyday care involves brushing twice daily, flossing, regular professional hygiene cleanings and dental check-ups.  Basic care helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath or stained teeth. 

Basic nutrition also plays a big factor in great oral health.  Bacteria that is left in the mouth can spread through the body and may lead to other health issues.  

Lets take a look at steps and tools that are necessary...  

1. Its important to brush in the morning and before bed.  Brushing helps remove bacteria filled plaque from teeth and gums.  Brushing gums also keeps them from bleeding and healthy.  Talk to the dentist about what type of tooth brush they recommend.  A Sonicare is generally the recommended toothbrush from Verde Pointe Dental Associates.  The right toothbrush is important considering it will be used everyday.  

2. The AmericanDental Association recommends to use toothpastes with fluoride.  Fluoride helps strengthen teeth to prevent tooth decay.  Some dentist recommend using mouth wash that contains fluoride at night before bed.  Swish the mouthwash all around for about a minute and spit.  Try not to rinse mouth after so the fluoride stays on teeth while asleep.   

3. Flossing is also a key part in removing plaque and bacteria.  There are so many options for flossing so pick one that feels most comfortable.  Some floss contains fluoride which is great to use because brushing alone cant always get between teeth.  

4. Its also important to brush bacteria off the tongue.  The tongue can harvest lots of bacteria which can lead to bad breath.  A tongue scraper can be purchased and works well. Using a soft bristled brush back and forth is ideal to remove bacteria daily.  

5. Avoiding sugary foods also helps keep bacteria and plaque down.  Bacteria feeds off sugar and produces plaque on teeth and gum line.  

Basic oral hygiene can help maintain a great future of oral health.  

What's Up with Stained Teeth

Do you ever wonder about the stains on your teeth? Pesky stains can be embarrassing and sometimes hard to remove. Different food and drinks can have a huge impact on staining teeth. Teeth have little pores and it can absorb to make a stain. Here is a list of the beloved foods or drinks that can leave dreaded stains...

Tomato Sauce, Deep Colored Marinades, Soy Sauce, Basalmic Vinergarette, Light tea, Dark tea, Coffee, Sport Drinks, Dark Sodas, Red Wine, White Wine, Grape Juice, Cranberry Juice, Pomegranate Juice, Blueberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Red Grapes, Beets, Pickles, Ketchup, Bright colored candy, Curry spice, Popsicles

Smoking cigarettes is a huge factor in staining teeth. Its important to quit smoking to for overall general health.

Rinsing the mouth after enjoying any of the above is important to try to remove some of the staining additives. Don't feel its necessary to avoid these food or drinks, just be proactive in rinsing or brushing after enjoying these.

There are actually some common fruit and vegetable to eat that actually help clean teeth while chewing. Here is a list of food that doesn’t stain teeth...

Apples, Pears, Pineapple, Guavas, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Celery, Carrots, Onions, Hard Cheeses, Sesame Seeds, Salmon, Shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, ginger, basil

Of course, Marietta teeth whitening is always an option for whiter teeth.

These above actually help scrub teeth clean while eating. Try to drink through a straw to keep liquids from staining the visible front surface of teeth. Brushing, flossing and rinsing after eating or drinking will help reduce chances of stains. Dental professionals recommend getting professional cleanings every six months. Hygienist can help remove any unwanted stains to make smile brighter and give tips how to avoid them. Stains can be embarrassing and ruin some smiles. Some studies show that people have lower self esteem due to problem smiles. Be proactive and keep a bright smile.