The enemies of a healthy smile are often invisible and can hide behind seemingly harmless habits and foods. Overdoing drinks that are high in sugar or too acidic, for example, can put the health of your teeth and gums at risk.
A dazzling smile is the result of two essential lifestyle habits: consistent, effective oral hygiene on the one hand, and on the other a diet that provides the right nutrients for the health of both teeth and gums.
Prevention plays a key role in keeping our mouths healthy and is based on daily habits and regular specialist check-ups.
First and foremost, you need to clean your teeth thoroughly several times a day, paying particular attention to the gums and using your toothbrush, interdental brush and dental floss correctly, so as to keep your mouth clean and remove excess plaque, preventing tartar from forming.
Professional dental cleaning sessions at regular intervals will also help keep your smile bright for longer. The interval between sessions should be recommended by the dentist according to the patient's individual characteristics, and may range from 3 to 6 months; for smokers, sessions will of course be more frequent.
Diet is also important in preventing inflammation, tooth decay and other dental problems. For example, it is wise to cut down on refined sugars and favour foods that need more vigorous chewing (fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread), as these tend to stick less to the teeth and the gum margin, massage the gums and help clean the mouth more thoroughly.
So yes to cheese and yoghurt (rich in calcium and minerals), to “crunchy” fruit and vegetables and to a diet rich in fish. Soft drinks, ice cream (because of their sugar content) and citrus juices (too acidic), on the other hand, should be enjoyed in moderation. Chewing ice cubes is another habit to avoid, as it can cause problems for your teeth and fillings.
