With the right care, it’s possible to keep your smile healthy for life. A healthy smile is an important asset, and with a few simple habits, it’s possible to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. It’s important to take proper care of your teeth on a daily basis — read on to find out which habits you shouldn’t ignore… Never skip a brushing session We all know the importance of brushing your teeth, but it can be tempting to skip the habit every now and then, especially if you’re tired. It’s essential that you brush your teeth before bed every night — this helps to get rid of food debris, plaque and germs that may have accumulated during the day. By skipping a brush, you increase your risk of developing oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Make brushing a regular part of your evening routine, and stick to it every single day. Master your brushing technique We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft, small-bristled toothbrush. Don’t rush when brushing your teeth — it’s best to brush for at least two minutes each time, and be sure to brush all surfaces. Brush your teeth in a circular movement as this helps to remove plaque that has built up on the teeth. If plaque is left unremoved for long periods of time, it can turn to calculus and contribute to the development of gum disease. Don’t forget to floss While brushing should be a part of your oral hygiene routine, flossing is just as important. Flossing helps to get rid of food particles that your toothbrush can’t get to, but it also provides a number of other benefits. By flossing your teeth on a regular basis, you’ll reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth, help to stimulate the gums, and even lower inflammation of the gums. All of these benefits contribute to overall oral health and lowers your chances of developing problems that could affect your smile. Pay attention to your diet Good nutrition plays an important role in maintaining your overall health, as well as your oral health. Try and incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your eating plan — crunchy produce like cucumbers, carrots and apples help to stimulate the production of saliva and keep the teeth clean. It’s a good idea to limit the consumption of sugary treats — snacks containing large amounts of sugar can damage the enamel of your teeth and cause tooth decay. We also recommend that you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Not only will this keep your body hydrated, it will also help to wash away food debris that may get stuck in your teeth after eating meals and snacks. Go for regular check-ups While committing to a healthy diet and sticking to good oral hygiene habits will go a long way in maintaining optimal oral health, we also recommend that you come in and see us for regular check-ups and cleans. This gives your dentist the opportunity to identify and treat any potential issues early, and may help to prevent complicated problems from developing in the long term. At Hyde Park Dental, we offer routine check-ups during which Dr Joffe will thoroughly examine the teeth and gums. He will look for issues like gum disease and tooth decay, as well as discrepancies in the alignment of the teeth and dysfunction of the temporomandibular jaw joint. Regular check-ups at our practice also include professional tooth cleaning and oral cancer examinations. If you are ready to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.