Your family dentist cares for your teeth from fillings to annual cleanings, but you can help them by taking care of your teeth at home. Beyond routine brushing and flossing, there are other steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy, strong, and beautiful. Here are some do’s and don’ts of oral hygiene.

Do:

Eat teeth cleaning foods.

Some foods are what’s known as ‘detergent foods,’ meaning they help to naturally clean your teeth. Apples, carrots, celery, and other raw, fibrous foods with crisp skin help dislodge food particles stuck in your mouth. They also spur saliva production which contains antibacterial compounds that fight plaque.

Limit coffee, soda, and energy drink consumption.

Acidic drinks like coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks weaken the enamel on your teeth. The enamel is the hard sheath that protects your teeth from damage, so when it’s weakened, it’s more susceptible to cavities, erosion, and tooth sensitivity. Plus, the sugar in these drinks attracts bacteria that form plaque and tartar, which lead to cavities and gum disease.

Don’t:

Midnight snack without brushing.

Midnight snacks are always fun, but if you’re going back to bed without brushing first, you could be doing serious damage to your mouth. Eating before bed leaves food particles trapped in your teeth, which leads to a buildup of bacteria that form plaque. If allowed to sit overnight or longer, the plaque will need to be removed by your family dentist.

Use tobacco or alcohol excessively.

The use of tobacco, whether through smoking or dipping, stains your teeth, heightens your risk for cancer, dulls your sense of taste and smell, and causes slow healing times after dental surgery. Because they stain your teeth, tobacco products also make it difficult for your family dentist to provide lasting cosmetic solutions for your smile. Alcohol likewise raises your risk of oral cancer, causes tooth erosion due to its acidity, and excessive inhibition can result in accidents that involve dental trauma.

For more than 30 years, the team at Ed Struss Family Dentistry in Lexington, KY, has provided world-class dental care, supplementing your at-home oral care routine with comprehensive services. Whether you need fillings, an oral cancer screening, or cavity treatment, they’ve got the experience and passion for providing individualized, focused care. With advanced technology like digital x-rays and a devoted family dentist team, they’re an ideal facility for your whole family’s dental needs, including dentures, braces, and gum disease management. View their services online or call (859) 278-7434 for an appointment.