Dental hygiene tips for the whole family from your trusted Pembroke Pines, FL dentist

Oral health care is a critical part of your overall health and wellness. Not only are your teeth an important part of your appearance, but the health of your mouth can also impact the health of your body. The good news is that patients can often control their oral health and keep it strong with good dental hygiene at home and regular checkups with their dentist.
Dr. Milton Ruiz of Pines Dental Associates in Pembroke Pines, FL, provides the following tips for the whole family:
- Brush and floss – There is a reason that dentists feel so strongly about brushing and flossing. It is because this simple and fast habit can have a big impact on your oral health. Dentists advise brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day. If you cannot brush at the office, make sure you brush in the morning and every night before bed. Also, while this is a quick task, it is important to be thorough. Take the time to reach the back teeth and make sure you remove food particles. Additionally, do not skip the flossing. Even the best toothbrushes can’t reach what they can’t touch between the teeth.
- Kick bad habits to the curb – Many of the same habits that damage your health can damage your smile. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause teeth darkening, mouth sores, and yellowed teeth, while eating too many sweets can cause weakened enamel, cavities, or gum disease. If you grind or clench your teeth, bite into ice cubes, or chew on pens, this can chip or break a tooth.
- Visit your dentist – Even with the best brushing habits, and the most thoughtful choices, it is still important to visit your dentist twice a year for a dental checkup. This provides you with a professional cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria from areas you simply cannot reach at home. It also provides the dentist with an opportunity to examine your mouth for any potential issues before they start to cause you pain.
For more information about how to keep your mouth healthy, call Dr. Milton Ruiz of Pines Dental Associates at (954) 715-4660 today.
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