Your Checklist for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important for preventing oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, and for promoting good overall health as well. Thankfully, for most people, developing a few good oral health habits is all they need to keep such problems at bay. At New Look Dental, a dentist in Kelowna, we advise our patients to follow these four tips if they want to keep their teeth and gums in good shape.

Brush your teeth twice a day (at least)The number one oral health tip that you’ll get from any Kelowna dentist is to brush your teeth twice a day at the minimum. Brushing in the morning and in the evening will remove plaque bacteria, food particles, and other debris from the front, back, and biting surfaces of your teeth, helping to prevent cavities. A light brushing between meals or at least after you’ve had some sugary or starchy snacks is also a good idea.

Floss between your teeth once daily

On top of brushing, it’s crucial that you get into the habit of flossing once a day as well. Brushing just doesn’t do an adequate enough job of removing plaque and food particles from between the teeth on its own. Flossing can be a difficult habit to get into but the oral health benefits are undeniable. If you’re not a fan of traditional floss, then consider switching to floss sticks, which many people find easier to use. A water flosser may be a good option as well.

Avoid sugary and acidic foods

Have you ever wondered why exactly sugar is so bad for your teeth? It’s because sugar is a food source for plaque bacteria, which in turn produces harmful acid as a by-product. The acid can wear away at tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks can also harm tooth enamel, so try to limit how often you consume citrus fruits, fruit juices, processed grains, carbonated pop, and alcohol.

Regularly visit your Kelowna dentist

Even if you maintain good oral health at home, there’s no substitute for the professional care you will receive at a dental clinic. General dentistry services in West Kelowna such as teeth cleanings and examinations are important for keeping your teeth free of plaque and tartar and for catching oral health problems early. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year or as often as they recommend is one of the easiest steps you can take to ensuring healthy teeth and gums.

If you’re looking for a dentist providing general dentistry in West Kelowna, then look no further than New Look Dental. At New Look Dental we will help keep your teeth and gums healthy with regular cleanings and personalized preventative dentistry services. We are also proud to offer cosmetic and restorative services such as teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, and veneers.

To book your first appointment at our West Kelowna dental clinic, just contact New Look Dental today.