At the beginning of a new, exciting year, here is what our Burien dentists recommend as the most important steps for maintaining a healthy smile:

1. HEALTHY DIET

Maintaining a healthy diet can improve not only your oral health but your overall well-being. Make sure that your diet includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are rich in phosphorous and calcium, like fish and seafood, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese.

For a healthy smile, avoid eating too much sugar, as sweets encourage the growth of bacteria and could be harmful to your teeth.

1. MORE WATER

Water is the perfect daily beverage, as it not only hydrates your entire body, but it is greatly beneficial for your teeth and gums. Try to consume mainly pure water and avoid energy and soda drinks, as they tend to have a high acidic content, which can wear away your tooth enamel, next to containing a high amount of sugar.

1. GREAT ORAL HYGIENE

Burien dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day to clean your mouth from harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, don’t forget to floss! Flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene that ensures healthy teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth once a day to remove plaque that is not removed by brushing. Old plaque can eventually harden into calculus or tartar and harm your beautiful smile. Therefore, flossing should also be an important part of your daily routine.

1. QUITTING BAD HABITS

Smoking is one of the worst habits, harmful for both your teeth and your gums. It increases the risk of gum disease by lowering your body’s immune function. If you don’t have a healthy immune system, you are more likely to develop infections, including ones in your gums. Quitting smoking can lower your chances of getting diagnosed with gum disease and many other health conditions.

Next to smoking, habits, like drinking too much coffee, regular consumption of alcohol, grinding your teeth, as well as using them as tools for opening stuff can harm your smile. Thus, try to quit or avoid them as much as possible.

1. REGULAR CHECK – UPS

Even if you maintain a perfect daily oral routine, it is still important that you visit your Burien dentist on a regular basis for dental check-ups and professional cleaning. Only that way you’ll assure your teeth and gums are always in perfect shape.