No question, visiting a dentist for preventative care may be one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. However, a lot of your oral health truly is in your hands. In fact, you can make several changes right now that may make a difference in your oral health. Check out five things to start doing today to make sure your smile is well-protected.

1. Skip the Soda

Soda is acidic, sugary, and contains artificial colors—all three can be bad for your teeth. If you are usually sipping on soda, consider limiting your intake to protect your teeth. Try having a soda with your meal, for example, but sip on water outside of meal times. 

2. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is often deemed as an unnecessary step in the dental hygiene process, but it really does offer a lot of advantages. For one, if you miss any bacteria while brushing and flossing, mouthwash will take care of it. Using mouthwash may also help with bad breath, fight plaque buildup, and reduce the risks of tooth decay. 

3. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is extremely important for your oral health just as it is for the rest of your body. For example, water supports saliva production, and saliva helps keep your mouth clean and bacteria levels at a healthier state. Try to get in ample water on a daily basis and keep your mouth feeling hydrated—you will do your smile health a favor. 

4. Limit Sugar and Starch Intake

Plaque develops on teeth when the sugar and starches are broken down by bacteria in your mouth and the particles stick to the teeth. Therefore, cutting sugar and starch intake can actually reduce how much plaque buildup you have on your teeth on a daily basis. 

5. Don't Forget to Floss 

Flossing is incredibly important, but over half of adults may not floss at all. Ironically enough, about 50 percent of cavities actually start between the teeth where flossing is most beneficial. If you are guilty of skipping the floss when you brush, picking it back up daily may drastically cut your chances of problems with decay and gum disease. 

Find a General Dentist to Help

Need a dentist to help you keep tabs on the health of your smile? At Rayford Dental, we'd be happy to give you just that. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.