A healthy smile doesn’t just happen. You must nurture and care for your beautiful smile just as you care for the rest of your body. Our dentist serving Westbury will tell you, your smile is a reflection of your overall health. Your smile is the gateway to the rest of your body, and when the body is unhealthy, it often shows in your smile. Likewise, when your smile appears unhealthy, there are typically unhealthy conditions elsewhere in the body.
Taking steps to maintain a healthy smile will not only improve your confidence, but may also prevent a wide range of systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes:
- Visit your dentist regularly (Routine dental visits are nice for having your teeth cleaned, but take full advantage of the opportunity. Your dentist and staff can share a wealth of information regarding proper brushing and flossing, over the counter dental products, and cosmetic procedures.)
- Enjoy a healthy diet (Vitamin deficiencies and systemic diseases often have oral manifestations. Red and bleeding gums, slow healing, cracking at the corners of the mouth, and a coated tongue are all indicators of underlying healthy conditions. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is good for maintaining a healthy heart, a healthy body fat index, normal blood pressure, and firm, pink gums.)
- Brush after meals and floss daily (Brushing and flossing are still the best ways to remove plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums. You may know that bacterial plaque promotes gum disease, but it also leads to stained and discolored teeth. Plaque creates a sticky film that attracts stain. Remove plaque frequently to reduce staining.
- Talk to your dentist about clenching and grinding (Also known as bruxism, clenching and grinding can wear down the protective enamel layer, cause chipping and fracturing of the teeth, and lead to receding gums. To protect your smile, your dentist may recommend treatment designed to prevent damage to your teeth.)
When it comes to preserving your smile, consider your dentist a partner in your quest for health. If you are due for a visit, don’t delay; call Broadway Dental to schedule your next appointment.