In today’s post, we will focus on important behaviors that impact oral health. Of course, effective brushing and flossing are two important habits for healthy teeth, but there are many more things we can do to preserve a healthy smile.
Diet Do’s
- Do eat a nutritious diet with a variety of foods. This is required 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 harmful to enamel.
Diet Don’ts
- Don’t eat sugary foods. Sugar generates the production of harmful cavity-causing acids that weaken enamel and lead to cavities.
- Don’t snack throughout the day. This speeds up plaque production and subjects the teeth to continual contact with acids.
- Don’t chew on ice. (It really can chip 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 better 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, communicate with Dr. Ortega about water fluoridation. If your municipal water supply is not fluoridated, you may want to give your kids fluoride supplements.
- Don’t use a medium or hard bristle toothbrush. It can damage gums.
- If you have an eating disorder – seek professional help ASAP. 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 Marcos Ortega DDS, we serve the San Diego area with exceptional dental care including general and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about dental implants, sedation dentistry, dental crowns and teeth whitening.
Contact Marcos Ortega DDS:
619-295-4545
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
306 Walnut Ave Ste 25
San Diego, California
92103