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You can have it both ways: healthy teeth and gums plus a bright white smile. Along with regular visits to your cosmetic dentist, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy mouth by incorporating these beneficial dental habits into your daily routine:

Brush and Floss Regularly

Brush your teeth at least twice per day – typically once after you wake up in the morning and again before you go to bed. As a general rule, you should brush for at least two minutes per session.

You should also floss at least once per day. This also reduces your risk of gum disease, because using floss helps to “exercise” your gums.

When you brush and floss, you’re removing any substances that can stain your teeth. You’re also decreasing your risk of cavities, because you’re getting rid of food particles and bacteria that can lead to plaque.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water naturally cleans your teeth every time you take a drink by washing away and diluting anything that is sitting in your mouth or in your teeth. Plus, tap water often contains fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities.

Your body also needs water to produce saliva. Your saliva not only provides your mouth with an optimal pH balance, but it also naturally and constantly cleanses your teeth.

Avoid or Limit Certain Foods and Beverages

You’ll want to limit your intake of foods and beverages that stick to or stain your teeth if you want a beautiful smile. For example, coffee and tea will both stain your teeth. Dark sodas also have the potential to stain your teeth, and these drinks can contain acid and sugar – which are both threats to your oral health.

Fruit juices, red wine, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauces can stain your teeth as well. Fruits usually have natural acids in them, so you will want to brush your teeth after consuming these foods because the acid can erode the protective enamel on your teeth.

Enjoy Nutrient-Rich Foods

For healthy teeth and bones, you will want to strive for a diet that includes plenty of calcium. Your teeth require calcium for the remineralization process to rebuild your teeth when you have damage. Calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, and canned salmon.

Vitamin C, although you want to regulate how much acid you consume, is necessary for gum health. It strengthens your immune system as well as protects against bacteria in your mouth. Foods that are high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach.

Phosphorus is a mineral that plays a key role in the remineralization of your teeth, which can help prevent decay. You can find phosphorus in foods like fish, nuts, and beans.

Cosmetic Dentist in Plantation, FL

Healthy teeth and gums go together for a beautiful smile. Our own Dr. Ernie Soto encourages his patients to take care of their overall health in order to have great teeth, because a healthy body naturally shines through in a healthy smile.

Cosmetic dentist, Dr. Soto serves the whole family in everything from general dentistry to Zoom whitening to porcelain veneers. He performs cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, implants and crowns, and beyond.

If you are in the Fort Lauderdale or Miami area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ernie Soto for a more radiant, healthy smile today. You can call us at (954) 368-6264 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain an amazing smile!