Here is the finale of our 10 Tips To Protect Your Smile blog series.  The dental team at Dr. Mehta & Associates enjoys sharing helpful dental information with our patients (and blog readers).  If you have concerns about a treatment or an oral health problem, feel free to call one of our offices nearest to you.  The contact number to our Riverside office is (951) 667-1595, while our Temecula office number is (951) 383-6858.  We serve patients in Menifee, Temecula, Murrieta, and Riverside.

Tip 7—Quit Tobacco

If you smoke or chew tobacco products, you likely are aware of what it does to your overall health.  Smoking and chewing tobacco are laced with carcinogens.  Hence, they can cause oral cancers that can be severely painful (don’t take our word for it, listen to Hall of Fame pitcher Curt Shilling).  Tobacco products also increase the chances of gingivitis, darken teeth, and produce some oral health issues such as bad breath.  We could go in depth about the subject, but the short of it is stay away from tobacco if you want to keep a healthy smile.

Tip 8—Increase Your Calcium Intake

You teeth thrive on calcium.  So it is a very good idea to supply your body with plenty of mineral in your diet.  Although taking supplement can help, the best way to increase your calcium intake is naturally.  The following are categories of calcium-rich foods that you may want to consider adding to your diet:

  • Dairy products ( like yogurts, cheese, milk)
  • Green vegetables (like broccoli, spinach, romaine lettuce)
  • Fish that have edible soft bones
  • Food that is enriched with calcium

You should be advised that calcium levels fluctuate with age.  So check with your primary care physician if you feel you are calcium-deprived.

Tip 9—Use A Tongue Scrapper Daily

Cleaning the surface of your tongue is one the best ways to reduce the number of bad bacteria in your mouth.  Tongue scrapers come in many shapes and designs, but a basic one will do the trick.  If you scrape your tongue in the morning and the evening, you’ll reduce your chances of cavities.  This procedure will also improve your breath!

Tip 10—Visit A Dentist Regularly

Yes, we know that this was also the second tip, but it can’t be stressed enough.  Millions of Americans fail to see a dentist annually.  Even more, people miss their dental appointments.  Don’t be a dental casualty.  See your dentist (hopefully us!) on a regular basis.