Elmhurst Dentist Explains Things You Can Do To Protect Your Natural Smile

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on Sep 1, 2015

Taking care of your natural smile doesn’t have to be a confusing chore. There are certain things that you can do in order to safeguard your teeth and oral tissues, and our Elmhurst dentist is here to give you the tips and tricks that you need!

As your dentist has probably already told you, the number one thing that you can do to care for your smile is to follow all of your dentist’s recommendations regarding oral hygiene care. Your dentist can customize your at-home oral hygiene plan to fit your specific needs, and your dentist can also provide you with the professional dental cleanings that your teeth and gums need.

Once you are properly caring for your smile at home and in the dentist’s office, it is time to consider what little things you can do to give your oral health a boost:

1. Stay Hydrated!

Did you know that the amount of water that you drink every day has a huge impact on the state of your smile? Patients who suffer from dry mouth experience increased bacteria production, more cavities and gum disease, as well as chronic bad breath. Drink plenty of water, and your body will be able to produce bacteria-neutralizing saliva!

2. Choose Your Snacks Wisely

Certain foods can actually help your smile fight oral plaque accumulation. Crunchy and water-rich vegetables—like carrots and celery—promote saliva production. And the physical act of masticating these veggies scrapes plaque from the dental enamel. So follow your mom’s advice, and eat your veggies!

Our Elmhurst dentists will be sharing some more oral health tips and tricks in the coming weeks, so check back for more information. And remember that you can always call our friendly dental team if you have specific questions or if you would like to schedule a personal consultation.