How To Maintain A Healthy Smile: Dental Care Basics

How do you keep your dental health intact? Do you brush and floss every day? How about visiting your trusted Tarzana dentist twice a year or as soon as you notice a problem? The strategy described above is effective in maintaining good oral health. However, is it enough? Unfortunately, this proven strategy isn’t working for people between the ages of 18 and 34, also known as millennials. Recently, a survey of 2,000 millennials displayed a surprising fact. More than one-third of millennials didn’t brush their teeth as often as recommended. Some go as long as two days without brushing their teeth. Also, a similar number of millennials reported fear of visiting the dentist. What’s even more shocking? Tooth decay affects one in three millennials.

What does this prove? Good oral hygiene can naturally lead to good oral health, regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity.

BASICS FOR BETTER DENTAL HEALTH

A clean bill of dental health is possible if you follow a few basics. Dr. Kaveh Kanani has been practicing dentistry for years. Patients can visit his eco-friendly Tarzana dental office for regular check-ups. Along with brushing and flossing, seeing a dentist often is one of the most important things you can do. Make an appointment with Dr. Kanani today for a free consultation.

BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE AND FLOSS DAILY

The American Dental Association recommends a thorough brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride twice a day. Also, don’t neglect once-a-day flossing between teeth to remove plaque from areas brushing can’t effectively reach. It’s important to keep teeth plaque to a minimum. Doing so is the best way to prevent diseases such as tooth decay or gum disease.

SEE THE DENTIST AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR

It’s essential to visit your dentist once every six months. Your dentist may recommend that you visit them more than twice a year. Seeing Dr. Kanani frequently will accomplish two things:

–    Dr. Kanani will provide you with a professional dental cleaning. Professional dental cleanings remove any buildup of plaque and tartar that daily cleaning doesn’t catch.

–    Visiting your dentist twice a year allows the dentist to inspect your teeth and gums for signs of disease.

NOTICE ANY PROBLEMS? SEE YOUR DENTIST ASAP

Make sure you see your dentist sooner if you notice anything abnormal or unusual. Symptoms that may seem strange or unnatural in your teeth include:

–    Unusual spotting on teeth

–    Tooth pain or sensitivity

–    Swollen, reddened, bleeding gums

The above symptoms are signs of disease. Treating this disease as soon as possible lessens the changes of your teeth and gums suffering severe harm.

WATCH YOUR DIET

Limiting acidic drinks such as sodas and fruit juices will also help your oral health. Food acids can soften your tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel. Acidic foods can cause cavities. In severe cases, teeth may disintegrate down to the gums.

Sugary foods can also damage your oral health. Bacteria in dental plaque can change sugars into acids.

INJURY

When maintaining good oral health, you want to protect your teeth from harm. If you play sports, make sure you wear a mouthguard or a full-face helmet. It’s important to see Dr. Kanani right away if you do experience an injury. If possible, hold the tooth in place while you seek immediate medical attention. However, if you can’t hold it in place, you can also place in milk or plastic.

DON’T USE YOUR TEETH FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN EATING

You can risk breaking your teeth if you use them for anything other than eating. Don’t use your teeth for cracking nuts, removing bottle caps or ripping open packaging.

HOW CAN I KEEP MY TEETH WHITER AND STRONGER?

Many people want sparkling white teeth. However, did you know that whiter teeth are a result of stronger, healthier enamel? Enamel – the outer protective layer of teeth – keeps teeth white. There are some tips you can follow to help strengthen teeth and keep them white.

–    Eat calcium-rich foods such as leafy greens and nuts

–    Drink water instead of soda or juice

–    Brush your teeth with an enamel-strengthening toothpaste

–    Avoid foods and drinks that stain the enamel

–    Don’t forget about the rest of your mouth. Remember to floss and brush your tongue. A healthy mouth and gums help keep teeth healthy and white.

GIVE UP SMOKING TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY TEETH

If you want healthy teeth, you should quit smoking. Nicotine and tar in cigarettes do not only turn your teeth yellow. Smoking also creates a ripe environment for bacteria and plaque on your teeth and along the gum line. Additionally, smoking can harm tissue, degrade the bone that supports the teeth, and increase your risk of tooth loss. What’s worse? Tobacco also contains chemicals that can lead to oral cancer.

KEEP YOUR HEALTHY SMILE

Millennials know the importance of a healthy smile. A good smile is not only crucial for your social and career interaction, but also personal well-being. Maintaining a regular dental care program is the best way to keep a healthy smile. Make sure you see Dr. Kanani, your trusted Tarzana dentist, twice a year.

Additionally, if you notice anything change with your smile, see a dentist right away. It’s essential for you not to neglect your oral health because it can lead to even worse issues. Contact Dr. Kanani today for a free consultation.

VISIT DR. KANANI TODAY FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY NEEDS!

Trusted Tarzana dentist Dr. Kaveh Kanani has been treating patients in his Los Angeles dental office since 2001. Dr. Kanani has been helping patients improve their smiles for years. Dr. Kanani will work with you to select the best treatment option. Visit his eco-friendly dental office in Los Angeles today. If you aren’t satisfied with your smile, call Dr. Kanani right away. One phone call could make all the difference. Dr. Kanani and his dedicated staff will welcome you into their eco-friendly Tarzana dental office.