The decisions that you make on a daily basis contribute to your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. While you receive important oral health support at regular dental checkups, the habits you maintain between visits are also important. Many people reduce their dental health responsibilities down to the work they put into cleaning their teeth. Brushing and flossing certainly matter, but you should also be smart about your diet choices. It can also be beneficial to cut out potentially harmful habits like tobacco use. During visits with your Virginia Beach, VA dentist, you can discuss your current habits in order to learn how you can have an easier time avoiding cavities and gum disease.
Drop Tobacco Products From Your Life
Do you worry about teeth stains? Are you often seeing signs of gingivitis? These problems can be harder to avoid if you regularly use tobacco products. By cutting cigarettes and smokeless tobacco from your life, you can protect the color of your teeth, and limit your risk for periodontal disease. Because tobacco products can cause dry mouth, removing them from your daily life can also make it easier for you to naturally resist cavity formation.
Drink More Water!
Drinking water is good for keeping you hydrated, which has several important health benefits. One benefit is that you have an easier time producing saliva. Saliva plays an important role in your cavity resistance. You can more easily clean your teeth by washing away harmful food debris and microbes, plus your saliva can neutralize oral bacteria.
Water is also a good alternative to flavored beverages, which can cause several issues. Drinks that contain more sugar make you more likely to need restorative dental work, and beverages that are more acidic can weaken your teeth and make them less resistant to decay.
Stock Up On Healthier Snacks
The snacks you keep on hand can play a big part in protecting your smile from harm. By choosing to snack on something healthy instead of something quick and convenient, you can cut back on your sugar consumption throughout the day. You can also maintain a more nutrient-rich diet by snacking on healthy nuts, vegetables, and fruits instead of processed items. This can help your teeth remain strong and healthy over time.
Your Virginia Beach, VA Dentist Can Help You Protect Your Smile
At our Virginia Beach, VA dentist’s office, we are proud to provide a range of services that help our patients maintain healthy smiles. Absolute Dental Care provides restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dental services to people in and around our community. If you have questions about your oral health care habits, or if you want to learn more about our practice, call Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at (757) 428-7440.
