Keeping your teeth healthy isn’t only about having a great smile, but it is an important factor in having overall health. Many studies have shown that poor care to teeth can cause heart infections, diabetes complications and can lead to abscesses. When it comes to a healthy smile, day-to day hygiene is key. Here are 5 things that you can do to keep your teeth healthy:

1. Brush your teeth!

It is quite obvious that the first step to dental health is brushing your teeth. The average person brushes their teeth two times per day, but we suggest brushing after every meal for better dental health. The more you brush the cleaner your teeth will be. Brushing is important because it helps remove left over food particles from your teeth. Left untreated, these food particles cause bacteria and plaque to form in the mouth, which can lead to infection. Also, routinely change your toothbrush; your toothbrush can collect and store bacteria and transmit diseases. Routinely changing your toothbrush will ensure that you aren’t infecting yourself.

2. Use mouthwash

Use a mouthwash with fluoride. Fluoride helps build the enamel in your teeth and helps fight tarter and plaque build up. Teeth with a strong enamel makes cavities harder to form. The properties that fight tarter and plaque also help your mouth stay free from infection.

3. Floss

Flossing is necessary because it removes the food particles that cannot be removed by a toothbrush. If these food particles were left in between your teeth, they would host bacteria, increase tarter and plaque buildup, as well as cause bad breath.

4. Avoid sugar!

Avoiding sugar isn’t only necessary for good dental health, it is also good for overall health. If there were any food group that everyone should never eat, white sugar would be it. As far as dental health, sugar causes tooth decay, cavities, plaque and tarter. Stay away.

5. Visit a dentist at least twice a year

A dentist is your best ally in the battle for excellent dental health. Your dentist can provide tips for improving your hygienic routine, he can also remedy and help prevent dental health problems (http://www.lanierdental.com/common-problems/).

Contact Lanier Dental Clinic (http://www.lanierdental.com/) to discuss further on how you can improve your smile! 770-535-8900

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