Protecting your smile from gum disease and tooth decay requires daily oral hygiene. At Golden West Dental Clinic in Rialto, California, we encourage a low-sugar, low-starch diet, and eating tooth-friendly foods like lean protein, dairy, whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruit. Along with daily brushing and flossing, having routine six-month dental cleanings will provide a strong oral foundation.

Still, there are additional things you can do to protect your smile. Check out the following oral health tips:

Toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush every three months, and let it air dry between uses. You should also replace your toothbrush if the bristles are losing their shape, your toothbrush can’t clean your pearly whites effectively if the bristles are fraying.

Mouthwash: If you can’t brush your teeth after eating out, rinse with mouthwash to kill bad bacteria that invites plaque after feeding on the acids from food. If mouthwash isn’t available, at the very least, rinse well with water to help your saliva clear away debris and neutralize acids.

Habits: Do you frequently snack on ice, bite your fingernails, or snack on candy? If so, you are inviting dental issues into your life. Even drinking soda, coffee, tea or alcohol every day will wreak havoc as they leave your smile with tooth stains or discoloration, decay, gum disease, dry mouth or even bad breath (halitosis).

Protection: Your smile should be protected whenever you participate in high contact sports or recreational activities to avoid oral injury. An athletic guard can save your smile from trauma to the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw. In addition, If you find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep, a night guard can protect your enamel as well as the jaw and jaw joints.

If you have questions about protecting your smile or want to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Rosendo Garza, please call 909-421-8787 today and let us help!