1. You Are What You Eat…and Drink

What you chew can make all the difference in the health of your teeth. Foods rich in calcium and protein such as cheese and plain yogurt strengthen tooth enamel and promote good bacteria. If you have issues with lactose, try calcium-rich veggies like spinach, kale or broccoli. Fibrous and crunchy fruits and vegetables help clean your teeth in between brushings while the vigorous chewing produces extra saliva which partly rinses away food. It goes without saying that foods high in sugar can lead to some dental challenges.

When it comes to beverages, water and milk are a mouth’s best friend. Unsweetened tea and coffee are responsible choices but keep in mind the darkening effects of both if you want your teeth their whitest. It’s best to limit your intake of sugary drinks such as soda, juice, and sweetened tea/coffee which is a good decision for your overall health as well.

If you must indulge in the occasional cloying treat, try to brush within an hour of consumption. Frequent brushing and rinsing decrease the accumulation of sugar and bacteria on your teeth. Speaking of brushing….

2. Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

Keeping your teeth clean between visits to our office is vital to maintaining your oral health. Professional cleaning and hygiene is required to help prevent oral disease, but consistent brushing and flossing starts at home. These healthy habits not only keep your smile bright and your breath fresh, but they can also help prevent the build-up of bacteria on your teeth which can turn to the plaque. Once plaque turns to tartar, it can only be removed by a professional dental scaler tool. Translation: more brushing and flossing at home means less time-consuming scraping in the dentist chair. Sounds like a win-win to us.

We are happy to recommend best practices for caring for your teeth at home including which type of brush and toothpaste is best for your gums and enamel. 

3. Mark Your Calendar

We encourage all patients to get their teeth cleaned every six months. If you have had gum disease or are at risk, you may need to come more often. Regular visits to our office will help your teeth work their best because routine dental cleanings and good oral hygiene are the foundations of a strong, healthy smile. As part of your exam, we will talk about any areas of concern and can offer you the options available right in our office to correct and improve any issues.

Meet Our Team in Massapequa

Dr. Gandhi, Dr. Payziyev and the entire Shore Smiles Dental team want to support you and your goal of dental and oral health. We offer $99 cleanings and sedation dentistry. Contact us for an appointment today!