A healthy smile is more than just a cosmetic asset – it reflects your overall well-being. At Dr. Sandi Hamm’s dental practice in Mansfield, Texas, we prioritize both oral health and patient education. As a leading expert in cosmetic and family dentistry for over 30 years, Dr. Hamm emphasizes the importance of building simple, effective daily habits that contribute to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are five daily habits that will help you maintain strong teeth and gums, along with the science behind them.
1. Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes
Why It Matters: Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes is crucial for removing plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. When plaque is not removed, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
The Science: Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food we eat, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. By brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, you remove plaque and strengthen enamel. Fluoride helps remineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks.
Dr. Sandi Hamm’s Tip: “Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and focus on cleaning all surfaces of your teeth, including hard-to-reach areas. An electric toothbrush can help ensure you’re brushing effectively.”
Other possible causes include:
2. Floss Daily to Remove Plaque Between Teeth
Why It Matters: Brushing alone cannot reach the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline, where food particles and bacteria can accumulate. Flossing helps remove these debris and prevents gum disease.
The Science: Bacteria trapped between teeth produce toxins that cause inflammation and gingivitis. Left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Flossing disrupts this bacterial buildup, reducing your risk of gum disease.]
Dr. Sandi Hamm’s Tip: “Make flossing a daily habit, preferably before bedtime. For patients with dexterity issues, water flossers or floss picks are excellent alternatives.”
3. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods and Beverages
Why It Matters: Sugary and acidic foods and drinks fuel the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, contributing to enamel erosion, cavities, and gum disease.
The Science: Sugars react with the bacteria in plaque to produce acids, which attack the enamel. Over time, these repeated acid attacks weaken teeth and cause decay. Acidic drinks, like soda and citrus juices, can also erode enamel directly, further increasing the risk of cavities.
Dr. Sandi Hamm’s Tip: “If you do consume sugary or acidic foods, drink water afterward to help wash away the harmful substances. Using a straw for sugary beverages can minimize contact with your teeth.”
4. Stay Hydrated to Promote Saliva Production
Why It Matters: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist and promotes saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.
The Science: Saliva plays a key role in maintaining oral health by keeping the mouth’s pH balanced and washing away debris. It also contains essential minerals, like calcium and phosphate, that help repair tooth enamel.
Dr. Sandi Hamm’s Tip: “Aim to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals. Water not only helps keep your mouth clean, but it also prevents dry mouth, which can increase your risk of cavities.
5. Regular Dental Checkups and Professional Cleanings
Why It Matters: Even with excellent daily care, it’s important to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. These appointments allow your dentist to spot early signs of dental problems and prevent them from worsening.
The Science: Dental cleanings remove hardened plaque, known as tartar, that cannot be eliminated by brushing and flossing alone. Regular exams also allow for early detection of issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, ensuring prompt treatment and better outcomes.
Dr. Sandi Hamm’s Tip: “Visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. This gives us the opportunity to keep your smile healthy and address any concerns before they become more serious.”
About the Practice
At Sandi L. Hamm DDS- Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, two skilled dentists work together to offer a wide range of dental therapies to patients of all ages, including cosmetic solutions. They have a combined several decades of experience to pull from and take a comprehensive approach to oral healthcare. Using advanced technology, they provide high-quality treatments for results that last. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (817) 477-4441.
Connect with us on IG: @Doctor_Sandi
