One thing that makes a big difference in the confidence of many people is having their best smile. The best work, though, for maintaining your oral health is performed by you at home. Good dental practices extend well beyond the time that you spend receiving care in a dentist’s office.

So, how can you best protect your smile between teeth cleaning visits? Here are the top ways to maintain the perfect smile.

Follow Recommended Dental Care

Your home dental care routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, according to Road2Beauty, the simplest practices are also the most effective – regular brushing and flossing, at least twice a day. If you have braces or other dental devices, you should take extra precautions to make sure you remove any debris that might be stuck in your mouth. Leftover food is a huge breeding ground for harmful bacteria. If your dentist recommends a specific type of toothbrush or toothpaste, make sure that is what you are using. Otherwise, you might risk causing more harm than good.

Avoid Certain Foods

According to Murfreesboro Family Dentistry, beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine can cause your teeth to stain. Over time, they can contribute to discoloration that can be difficult to remove without dental intervention. If you have experienced tooth discoloration because of coffee or tea, your dentist can help you restore the brightness to your smile.

Good dental health also depends on a diet rich in healthy foods, particularly those with high levels of calcium and Vitamin D to support tooth strength. If you have any questions about what type of diet is best for your oral health, your dentist can guide you in the right direction.

Drink Water

Our bodies are 70% water weight. Water is by far the most important molecule for our whole well-being, including for dental health. When you drink water, you are flushing debris out of your mouth. According to MiBeautifulSmile, water also delivers precious fluoride to your teeth, which strengthens and fortifies them against disease. Make sure you are getting plenty of water, spaced throughout the day.

Following these tips is a good way to get a head start on a beautiful set of pearly whites. In addition to dental care and being mindful of how what you eat or drink impacts your smile, you should also be aware of the harmful effects of tobacco on your smile.

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