It’s important to visit the dentist at least once a year for a cleaning, checkup, and any recommended treatments. However, you can help your teeth stay clean and healthy at home, too. Brushing and flossing daily helps keep plaque levels down, gums pink and healthy, and prevents cavities.

What you eat and drink also affects your teeth. A balanced diet can help keep teeth healthy (fresh fruits, vegetables and protein). Too much sugar, processed or refined carbohydrates (cookies, crackers, pasta, bread, chips, etc.) will increase your risk for cavities and other health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Another habit that contributes to a higher risk for cavities is drinking pop or any carbonated beverage, including carbonated water due to the pH (acidity). Here’s a link to an interesting 2016 article on the pH value of 379 beverages that were tested. Where does your beverage show up on the list?

Taking good care of your teeth has a lot of benefits. First of all, preventative dentistry can catch dental problems before they get out of hand. This includes dental issues like gingivitis, cavities, enamel erosion, and periodontitis.

Clean, healthy gums and teeth are not just good for oral health— A healthy mouth is good for your overall health, too. An unhealthy mouth has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Aside from all the great health benefits, daily care and regular dental visits can save you money over time. It is much easier and effective to treat dental problems earlier on. Later stages of disease can be painful on both your mouth and your wallet!

Everyone benefits from regular dental care, especially children. Preventative sealants and education lead to a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth. Adults who care regularly for their teeth can cut down on restorative procedures.

Keep your teeth for life. Get on board with regular preventative hygiene!