Smile

7 Tips For a Healthy and Bright Smile

Maybe you’re getting ready for your family vacation, preparing to celebrate your graduation, or you want to look your very best throughout the summer season. Whatever your reason may be, the key to looking and feeling great all season is by keeping your smile healthy and bright. By being mindful of your dental routine and following these tips, you can ensure that your smile will be shining all summer long!

1. Choose The Right Foods

By sticking to a well-balanced diet, your teeth and gums will receive all of the nutrients they need. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fats (such as fish) can reduce your risk of gum disease.

Here are some of the best foods to add to your summer diet:

  • Cheese is an excellent addition to any summer appetizer platter, and it's also a great source of calcium and protein. These nutrients have been found to lower your risk of tooth decay, too.

  • Yogurt is another protein-packed food, which is perfect for the overall health of your teeth. The probiotics found in yogurt can help fight off harmful bacteria that can cause cavities.

  • Leafy greens are an obvious choice, as they are full of vitamins and minerals that are good for your whole body. Greens (such as spinach and kale) contain folic acid, which can help to treat gum disease.

  • Apples, celery, and carrots are full of fiber and water. Eating these healthy foods help produce saliva in your mouth, which rinses away bacteria, food particles, and also assists in stimulating your gums.

While you focus on eating foods that are good for your dental health, you should also be cautious of the foods that are bad for your smile. Certain foods, such as citrus fruits, can damage or stain your teeth. Pomegranates, blueberries, blackberries, and other dark-colored fruits can leave stains on your teeth and damage your enamel. The most significant danger to your smile is sugar. Foods with high levels of sugar create the perfect environment for destructive bacteria and can lead to the overall decay of your teeth. Be sure to eat these foods in moderation, followed by rinsing your mouth out with water after eating.

2. Be Mindful of What You Drink

Just like the food we eat, the beverages we choose have a serious impact on our oral hygiene. The bacteria in your mouth love sugar; it will consume it and produce acids. The increased acidity in your mouth can lead to tooth decay. Additionally, some drinks can discolor your teeth. To avoid damaging your teeth, only consume the following beverages in small amounts:

  • Soda and fruit juices

  • Coffee and tea

  • Sugary drinks

  • Red wine

3. Care for Your Teeth After Each Meal

We don’t expect you to bring a full dental kit with you to a restaurant or friend’s house — but a few, small, portable essentials can help keep your smile looking its best. You can keep floss, a travel toothbrush, or mouthwash with you in your bag or car. After you eat, pieces of debris often stick around. A quick rinse, floss, or brushing will cut back on the after-meal plaque.

4. Keep Up with Daily Care

We all love long days at the beach and nighttime events during the summertime, but our dental care routine shouldn't take a hit due to our busy social calendars. Don't sway away from your regular brushings 2-to-3 times a day. Additionally, don’t forget to floss — and always remember your tongue, too! Your tongue can play host to a variety of bacteria if left uncleaned. Daily dental health regiments will help make your smile stronger and help build your confidence.

5. Use the Right Tools

Proper dental care isn’t just about how you take care of your teeth, but what you use to do so. You should always choose dental products that have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Choose a soft-bristled, electric toothbrush over a manual one and consider purchasing a water pick to make cleaning your mouth and gums easier.

6. Consider Teeth Whitening

If your dental routine isn't producing the bright smile you've always wanted, you may want to consider professional teeth whitening. Typically, teeth whitening takes several treatments, but every individual’s plan is different. Teeth whitening can improve the appearance of:

  • Tobacco, food, and beverage stains

  • Disease and genetic issues

At Suri Dental, we offer several options for teeth whitening from the Glo Whitening system, including in-office bleaching and at-home kits. The Glo Whitening system will help you get the smile of your dreams!

7. See Your Dentist Regularly

Make sure to see your dentist every six months for a hygiene check, cleaning, and a check-up. Any plaque you haven't been able to remove will be taken care of and we'll be able to spot signs of decay.

Regular cleaning and preventive care are essential to avoiding tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. At-home dental hygiene is certainly important, however routine visits to the dentist are highly recommended for the best oral health. At Suri Dental Group, we keep our dentists and staff up-to-date on the latest in prevention techniques, materials, and cleaning procedures. Your oral health is our top priority.

Your next appointment for a dental cleaning, cosmetic and preventive care in Nassau County is only a phone call away. Reach out today at (516) 407-8505.