T A K E S T E P S N O W T O P R O T E C T Y O U R T E E T H
Don’t Let Tooth Decay Ruin Your Oral Health
Going to the dentist regularly is incredibly important in keeping your oral health in tip-top shape. But you shouldn’t rely solely on your dentist to keep decay-causing bacteria at bay. Take steps at home to keep your mouth clean and healthy. It’s easy! Brush and Floss Your Teeth Taking proper care of your teeth is important. Plaque buildup in your mouth creates an environment in which bacteria can thrive. Those bacteria produce acid that damages the enamel of your teeth and allows cavities to form. Brush three times per day (preferably right after meals) and floss at least once a day to reduce the plaque buildup in your mouth. Using fluoride toothpaste is a good way to strengthen your enamel, and getting your teeth cleaned twice a year at the dentist ensures that any hard-to-reach plaque is removed. Eat a Tooth-Healthy Diet The more sugar you eat, the more plaque you’ll have in your mouth. Sugar encourages bacteria to grow, causing more acid to be produced. To avoid this, Take a Break
it’s best to minimize the amount of sugary foods in your diet, including candy, soda, and other processed carbohydrates. After meals, drink water to help remove any leftover food debris and give your saliva a chance to break things down, limiting the amount of acid produced. Bacteria-Fighting Substances Some sugar alcohols, like xylitol, are highly effective at fighting oral bacteria. Chewing xylitol gum is a delicious way to hinder the bacteria’s production of acid. Essential oils like clove, myrrh, thyme, peppermint, rosemary, and oregano also remove bacteria and prevent inflammation. Add six drops of oil to one cup of water to pull toxins from your mouth and prevent gum disease. Protecting your teeth and gums at home is just as crucial as going to the dentist. Use these three tips to keep your mouth — and the rest of your body — healthy.
HAVE A LAUGH!
Answer on Page 4
9 0 4 . 2 0 1 . 3 8 0 6
WWW. E L I T E SM I L E S D E N T I S T R Y. COM
3
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog