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Show Your Teeth Some Respect

Think about how many times per day you rely on your teeth. You use them to chew breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You press your tongue against them to make certain sounds when you speak. There's really no doubt about it — your teeth are important, and they deserve your respect. You can pay them that respect by visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and checkup appointments. You should also call at the first sign of dental pain, tooth discoloration, or other oral health changes. Read more about dentists and dentistry here on this blog, where we dive deep into related topics.

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Show Your Teeth Some Respect

5 Tips To Protect Your Oral Health

by April Myers

Here are five tips to protect your oral health.

Get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

The American Dental Academy recommends that you should have your teeth cleaned at least once a year. If you have risk factors associated with oral diseases such as diabetes or you are a smoker, then you should have your teeth cleaned more frequently. Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings and exams a year. Getting your teeth cleaned at least twice a year will decrease your risk of developing serious oral issues, such as gum disease.

Eat mouth-healthy foods.

Your diet not only fuels your body but also your oral health. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid highly-pigmented and sugary foods; you can also make food choices that support your oral health as well. Dairy foods are rich in calcium and phosphorus. These minerals help to strengthen your teeth. Reach for dairy foods such as yogurt, milk, and cheese. Vitamin C also plays an important role in protecting you from oral diseases like gingivitis. You can find Vitamin C in dark leafy greens and citrus fruits.

Drink more tap water.

Fluoride helps to protect your teeth. You can find fluoride in most municipal water sources. The levels of fluoride added to public water sources are safe for consumption. In fact, populations with fluoride added to their water sources have shown less incidence of tooth decay. You can get a refreshing drink of fluoridated water right from your tap.

Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.

Your oral health relies heavily upon your daily cleaning routine. You should brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day. You need to make sure that your toothbrush is up to the task of removing food and plaque build-up from your teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush every three months in order to keep it in good shape. Your toothbrush wears out over time as the bristles become frayed, rendering them less effective at cleaning your teeth.

Replace coffee with green tea.

Coffee can stain your teeth. Replace your cup of coffee with green tea. Green tea also packs a caffeinated punch, while also supporting your oral health. Green tea contains antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation of your gums and limiting the growth of bacteria. You can enjoy your caffeine kick while also protecting your oral health in the process.

For more tips on keeping up on your teeth cleaning and oral health, reach out to a local dentist.

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