Since your dental health is tied so closely to your overall health, many people wonder what they can do to improve their oral hygiene routine. By making a few changes at home and seeking professional dental services, you can enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile for a lifetime. Below are three tips for taking care of your teeth and gums. 

A Guide to Better Oral Care at Home

1. Eat a Nutritious Diet

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals bolster oral health by boosting your immunity and strengthening bones and oral tissues. Dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese also help the teeth to remineralize, while active cultures in certain dairy products crowd out oral bacteria. Avoiding sugary, starchy foods also prevents plaque and tartar formation, protecting your teeth.

2. Brush & Floss Daily 

While most people brush twice a day without problems, flossing is also crucial. Both the American Dental Association® and the Federal Government emphasize the importance of flossing. In addition to cleaning away plaque from between the teeth, it also helps to cut down oral bacteria numbers, minimizing decay. 

3. Don’t Smoke

When you smoke, you are coating your teeth with a long list of chemicals, including tar. In addition to dramatically discoloring your teeth, smoking also exposes your mouth to significant temperature changes, thickening the skin and causing problems like reduced salivary flow. To keep your teeth safe, talk with your dental services provider about how to kick the habit. 

In addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and looking after your teeth, seeking professional dental services is also crucial for protecting your oral health. At Clements Family Dentistry in Hamilton, OH, they focus on providing patients with top-notch dental services, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic procedures. To learn more about how they can help, visit them online or call (513) 887-7027.