Was 2016 a year filled with several restorative dental visits, either because of cavities, periodontitis, or other oral health concerns? If so, you likely began this year with one resolution at the forefront of your mind – to take better care of your smile. After all, few physical attributes have a bigger impact on your self-esteem than your smile; you want to take good care of it. The good news is that there are several surprisingly simple ways you can help to better protect your smile from common threats, like cavities and gum disease.

Drink More Water

One of the most effective and certainly most affordable ways to protect your smile is by drinking more water each day. Water is not only essential to your entire body’s wellbeing. It is also especially important for your smile. That is because water helps your mouth to produce saliva, which not only helps to break down the foods you eat; it also helps prevent plaque bacteria from being able to stick to the surface of the teeth, where it can cause enamel erosion.

Equally important is limiting how much sugar you’re consuming on a regular basis. That’s because the bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars. The more you eat or drink, then, the more likely you are to struggle with dental decay, and gum disease, as well.

Add Flossing to Your Daily Routine

Another great way to protect your smile is by flossing every single day. This is a step many people skip, yet it can drastically reduce one’s likelihood of struggling with dental problems. This is why preventive dentists regularly urge their patients to floss on a regular basis.

If you are struggling to master proper flossing technique, simply ask your dentist for a demonstration during your next dental visit. Then practice everyday, until it becomes as natural as brushing likely already feels.

To schedule your next restorative dental treatment, call Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA, today at (515) 244-9565.