Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to optimal oral health in no time.

There is no doubt in our minds that you want to maintain a healthy smile; unfortunately, some people just don’t know how to do that. While you may fully understand the importance of brushing perhaps your technique just isn’t there, or maybe you forget other important habits along the way. Whatever the case might be, our Wahiawa, HI, dentist, Dr. Mildred Arucan-Masunaga, is here to offer some useful advice on how to keep your smile healthy.

Know When to Replace Your Toothbrush

We all know that a toothbrush won’t last forever. Regardless of whether you have an electric toothbrush or a manual one, you’ll still need to replace the toothbrush or toothbrush head eventually. The best way to determine whether it’s time to swap out your toothbrushes is to check the bristles.

If the bristles look frayed and worn then it’s a good sign that you need to replace your toothbrush head. This should happen about every three to four months; however, you will want to replace your toothbrush even sooner if you’ve been sick (to prevent re-infection).

Maintain a Healthy Diet

What you consume day in and day out can also take its toll on your oral health. Your mouth, just like the rest of your body, requires certain nutrients to remain healthy and strong. Make sure that you are avoiding junk food, starches, and sugary foods and drinks, as they can increase your chances of developing cavities. Also, while it might be difficult, it’s important to limit snacking throughout the day, as consuming lots of foods and drinks between meals can lead to more plaque buildup.

Don’t Forget Your Routine Checkups

Sure, your schedule might be busy but you should still carve out time in your schedule to visit your Wahiawa general dentist every six months for preventive care. This is the most effective way to spot issues before they cause serious problems or require pricier and more invasive treatments. Plus, this is a great time to ask us questions or turn to us for advice to improve how you care for your smile.

Do you have questions about the oral care advice we’ve provided? Do you want to chat further about the dental services we offer here in Wahiawa, HI, and how they can help you? If so, then it’s the perfect time to call us.