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Here’s a simple rule of dentistry—if your smile looks good, than chances are your smile is healthy, too. But did you know that having a healthy and attractive smile increases the likelihood that you are healthy, too? There is an inextricable link between your mouth and your body, so the condition of your teeth and gums can significantly impact your overall health. Your dentist in Austin, Dr. Fan, offers the following seven steps to help you take care of your smile and your overall health.

#1—BRUSH LONG, BRUSH WELL

You can use a manual, battery-powered or electric toothbrush—that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you take the time to brush well. The American Dental Association now recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. And be sure to use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel, the first line of defense against decay.

#2—FLOSS EVERYDAY

If you skip flossing, then you leave behind bacterial plaque and food particles between your teeth that brushing cannot reach. Left in place, plaque hardens to become tartar. Both plaque and tartar are the precursors to gum disease, a bacterial infection that has been linked to bodily illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

#3—SEE YOUR DENTIST

Schedule dental checkups every six months. At these visits, Dr. Fan and his team will professionally clean your teeth, check for signs of decay and examine your gums. We’ll also conduct an oral cancer screening.

#4—CHOOSE NUTRITIOUS FOODS

When you eat a healthy diet, you take care of your body and your mouth. Select foods rich in calcium—hard cheeses, yogurt, milk, sardines, kale and broccoli—to have strong bones and teeth. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, because bacteria feed off of these and excrete acids that can lead to cavities.

#5—KICK THE HABIT

According to a study in the Journal of Periodontology, your chances of having gum disease are four times greater if you smoke. And chewing tobacco increases your risk for oral cancer.

#6—WHITEN YOUR TEETH

True, a white smile has nothing to do with your physical health. However, having white teeth can do a lot for your confidence and self-esteem. Your dentist near me offers Zoom! in-office teeth whitening as well as take-home whitening kits.

#7—CONSIDER COSMETIC DENTISTRY

In addition to teeth whitening, Dr. Fan also offers porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding and metal-free restorations to enhance the appearance of your smile. Research shows that people who have attractive smiles are more likely to have healthy teeth and gums. So an investment in cosmetic dentistry can also be an investment in your health.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE TODAY

Dr. Fan has more ideas to keep your smile healthy and bright. Call our office to schedule a dental checkup to find out.