A healthy smile requires twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and regular general dentistry treatments. But, is that really enough to keep your smile healthy for life? Luckily, our trusted Las Vegas dentists are here to help.
Does your smile need attention now? Contact the team at Miracle Dental for comprehensive treatments that transform your smile without draining your wallet. All patients (even new ones!) can easily schedule appointments online here, or they may call our Las Vegas, NV, dental office at (702) 456-0056.
In this blog post, our Las Vegas dentists reveal little-known oral care tips that can take your oral health to the next level. Even tiny adjustments to your oral care routine can add up to major improvements in your smile.
1. Choose Your Sweets Wisely
Not all sugary treats are created equally. Many include additional sugar and added citric acid for a tangy punch. But, these ingredients can quickly erode tooth enamel (the mineral-dense outer layer that protects our teeth).
Additionally, the texture of sweet treats can be problematic. For example, chewy candies (like taffy and caramel) and hard candies can wreak havoc on our natural teeth and existing dental restorations (like fillings and crowns)
So, choose sweet treats wisely. Here are some smile-friendly goodies that our Las Vegas dentists recommend:
- Chocolates: Chocolates are easier on the teeth than hard and chewy candies. Furthermore, dark chocolates tend to have less sugar than milk or white chocolates.
- Fruits: While fruits contain sugar and some acid, the concentration is much weaker than pre-packaged candies.
- Nut butters: Peanut, cashew, and almond butter are yummy additions to any delectable treat, and they are loaded with protein and healthy fats.
- Sugar-free candies: Not only are sugar-free candies yummy, but research indicates that some sugar-free sweeteners (like xylitol) can discourage bacterial growth in the mouth.
2. Be Aware of Smile-Destroying Health Conditions
It is easy to assume that health conditions in the body do not affect the health of our smiles. But, oral and systemic health conditions are intrinsically tied to each other. This means that an unhealthy body will, eventually, lead to an unhealthy smile (and vice versa!).
One such systemic health condition that can take a major toll on our oral health is diabetes.
Whether type 1 or 2, diabetes can make wound healing more difficult. This is particularly troublesome for patients with advanced periodontal (gum) disease. This is because gum disease causes inflammation in the gum tissue.
Ordinarily, our immune systems can reduce inflammation and mend the damage caused by gum disease. But, hyperglycemia can significantly impair our immune systems and slow wound healing, which can leave our gums vulnerable to infections. So, it’s crucial to counteract the effects of diabetes by brushing after snacks and meals and flossing at least once a day.
3. Moderate Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Alcohol has a drying effect on the mouth, and tobacco smoke affects the gums’ ability to absorb oxygen. Together, these two factors can lead to significant dental decay and gum disease.
While we do not need to quit cold turkey, it is best to moderate our alcohol and tobacco use. Our Las Vegas dentists recommend limiting alcoholic drinks to one standard drink a day and following a smoking cessation program.
Meet Our Friendly Las Vegas Dentists
Are you ready to meet Dr. Ann Pham and Dr. Halan Tran? Schedule an appointment with our Las Vegas dentists at Miracle Dental today! Patients can request appointments here or at (702) 456-0056.
