Maintaining a Healthy Smile Between Dental Visits

MAINTAINING A Healthy Smile BETWEEN DENTAL VISITS BRUSH UP Brush your teeth at least twice per day using a fluoride toothpaste Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and replace it every 2-3 months Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and move it in gentle, circular motions GET FLOSSED Floss your teeth once per day to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque Use about 12 inches of floss, wrapping each end around your fingers Unravel a new section of floss for each tooth, and don't snap it, as this could hurt your gums STOP SMOKING Smoking is bad for your overall health as well as your oral health It can stain your teeth yellow and give you chronic bad breath Smoking also encourages plaque growth and can lead to oral cancer DRINK WISELY Trade in soda, sports drinks, and juice for cool, clean water Sugary beverages coat your teeth, increasing bacteria and acid levels Soda can soften your tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to decay EAT SMART Forgo starchy, sugary snacks like chips, pretzels, and candy Sticky foods like candy and dried fruit can stay behind on the teeth MILK Eat a mouth-healthy diet full of low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables BE ON GUARD If you or your kids play sports, talk to your dentist about custom mouthguards Mouthguards can help prevent injuries such as knocked-out teeth, lacerations, and more Even non-contact activities like skateboarding can lead to mouth injuries PROVIDED BY: DIAZSMILE PUTTING A SMILE BACK IN DENTISTRY www.CORAL-SPRINGS-DENTAL.COM Sources: www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/healthy-teeth-tips?page=2 www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/eight-ways-to-keep-your-mouth-healthy