Nobody wants an ugly, discolored smile, so it's important to take proper care of teeth. Making a little time in your daily routine to take care of your teeth will keep them as healthy as possible.

Get Into a Routine

Each morning and each night, floss and brush teeth to get rid of any bits of food or plaque that may be present. This helps limit the risk of cavities and gum disease, making it easier to maintain a healthy smile. Antibacterial mouthwash can help as well, but doesn't replace the need for brushing and flossing. Using products that contain fluoride may help further limit plaque formation, especially in people who live in areas that don't have fluoridated water.

Limit Foods That Make Cavities and Discoloration More Likely

Sticky foods, such as fruit snacks, chewy candies, and aspen dental dried fruits, are more likely to stick to the surface of the teeth, acting as food for the bacteria that increase the risk of cavities. Sugary foods, in general, tend to increase the acidity of the mouth, which helps break down the surface of the teeth and start the process of decay that leads to cavities. Dark-colored foods can cause the teeth to become discolored, which makes many people unhappy and less likely to smile.

Make Regular Dental Visits

Visit the dentist at least twice yearly for cleanings, as well as any time the situation in your mouth changes. If experiencing a painful tooth, get it checked out. Regular dental care is essential for keeping the mouth healthy. A dental practice that specializes in general dentistry, such as ascent family dental, is a good choice for this type of services and often provides cosmetic dental services as well, such as teeth whitening and braces. Find a dentist that is convenient to make this easier. You can visit dentalgreeley to learn more about the services of this well-respected dentist.

What you eat and drink isn't the only thing that can affect the health and look of your teeth and mouth. For instance, tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products, increase the risk for gum disease, discolored teeth, bad breath and an number of different types of cancers, including oral, esophagus, pharynx and larynx cancers. If playing sports, wear a mouth guard or other protective headgear as recommended for the sport. This helps limit the risk of broken teeth should an accident or injury occur during the course of the game or practice.