In today’s post, we will focus on important behaviors that influence oral health. Of course, effective brushing and flossing are two vital habits for healthy teeth, but there are many more things we can do to keep a healthy smile.
Diet Do’s
- Do eat a nutritious diet with a variety of foods. This is needed for overall physical health and a strong immune system.
- Do enjoy calcium-rich dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt to neutralize acids that are dangerous to the enamel.
Diet Don’ts
- Don’t eat sugary foods. Sugar triggers the production of harmful cavity-causing acids that weaken enamel and lead to tooth decay.
- Don’t snack throughout the day. This accelerates plaque production and subjects the teeth to continual contact with acids.
- Don’t chew on ice. (It really can crack teeth.)
- Don’t drink energy drinks. They have many substances that are harmful to teeth.
Other Important Tips
- Don’t use your teeth as tools. It is wiser to cut that knotted shoelace than to gnaw at it to try to untangle it.
- Don’t get piercings in or around your mouth.
- Don’t ignore tooth pain or sensitivity.
- If you have children, meet with Doctor Miely about water fluoridation. If your municipal water supply is not fluoridated, you may want to give your little ones fluoride supplements.
- Don’t use a medium or hard bristle toothbrush. It can damage gums.
- If you have an eating disorder—seek professional help right away. Bulimia and anorexia are extremely damaging to teeth. (Not to mention the toll they take on the heart and other organs.)
We urge all of our patients to maintain a lifestyle that promotes dental health as well as overall physical health. At Mark A. Miely DDS, we serve the Upper Arlington area with exceptional dental care including general and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about cosmetic dentistry, 6-month smiles, Inman aligners, and sedation dentistry.
Contact Mark A. Miely DDS:
614-451-2100
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1840 Zollinger Rd
Upper Arlington, Ohio
43221
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