Smiling is one of the most common, universal forms of non-verbal communication. Researchers estimate that adults smile 20 times a day, and children smile up to a whopping 400 times a day. Babies even smile in the womb. But, if your oral health and hygiene have taken a back seat, then you might be smiling less and less. Fortunately, general and restorative dentistry solutions can help you get healthy teeth by reestablishing, reinforcing, and restoring your smile.

At Smiles 4 Grant Park, Dr. Abbey J. Lee provides quality care for teen and adult patients in a chic and contemporary atmosphere. Her extensive knowledge, experience, and professional development place her among the best dentists in Atlanta. As an expert in her field, she’s willing to give you six secrets on how to achieve healthy teeth for life.

1. Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

The best way to ensure healthy teeth for life is to get routine dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year. However, people who are genetically predisposed to oral issues should consider visiting a dentist quarterly. 

Being proactive about your oral health helps you avoid harmful and damaging conditions, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. That’s why Dr. Lee thoroughly examines patients’ mouths to assess damage, disease, and dysfunction. Furthermore, she conducts oral cancer screenings, which can detect even the earliest signs of cancer.

2. Get Restorations When Necessary

Restorative dentistry helps repair dental damage and reinforce the structures of the mouth for optimal health. Therefore, getting cavities filled, repairing damaged teeth, and replacing missing teeth are crucial to maintaining good oral health. 

3. Protect Teeth with a Mouthguard

Bruxism (teeth grinding) can place intense pressure on the jaws and teeth. Tragically, prolonged, untreated bruxism can wear down the teeth, cause a painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and other health-related issues. Dr. Lee provides her patients with customized mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding and take pressure off of the temporomandibular joint. Subsequently, patients save their teeth and jaw from undue stress and damage.

4. Prioritize Oral Hygiene

When it comes to good oral hygiene, Dr. Lee advises her patients to brush at least twice daily and floss once daily. Regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque buildup on the teeth, which is the cause of dental decay and gum disease.

5. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks

The mouth is home to good and bad bacteria. However, harmful oral bacteria thrive off of the sugar found in food. So, consuming sugary treats can contributes to an overgrowth of bad bacteria, which leads to cavities and gum disease.

Furthermore, acidic foods and drinks wear down tooth enamel, which leaves teeth susceptible to staining, decay, and sensitivity. Therefore, limiting exposure to acidic foods and beverages helps protect tooth enamel and promote healthy teeth.

6. Avoid Tobacco Products and Alcohol

Alcohol and tobacco both inhibit saliva production, which creates an environment in which harmful bacteria thrive. Prolonged tobacco and alcohol use leads to plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Additionally, tobacco users are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with An Atlanta Dentist

Being proactive about your oral health ensures that you’ll have healthy teeth for life. But the best proactive measure you can take for your health is to schedule a dental appointment today. Meet Dr. Lee and get started at Smiles 4 Grant Park by calling (404) 328-7177 or reaching us online.