Tasty Treats and Your Teeth

From pierogis, to Philly cheesesteaks, to shoofly pies, Pennsylvania can definitively lay claim to one of the best states in the nation for tasty treats.  Our state brought popcorn to movie theaters, Tastykakes, and turned fries into a sandwich condiment.  We truly know how to please our taste buds.  However, along with great food comes the need for great oral hygiene.  East Stroudsburg dentist Dr. Smolyansky and our staff offer a few suggestions on keeping your teeth in shape while enjoying the foods you’ve come to love.

Regular Checkups

Scheduling and keeping your regular dental exams every 6 months is a must.  A dental exam allows our East Stroudsburg dentist to quickly screen for oral cancer and to catch potential cavities.  The dental exam typically begins with a thorough teeth cleaning by our hygienist and ends with a visit from Dr. Smolyansky.  The teamwork ensures that your oral cavity and teeth are as healthy as possible.

Daily Oral Care

Aside from your regular dental appointments, you need to make sure to brush and floss every day.  Brush at least twice a day or after every meal.  With foods rich in garlic and sugar as we are known to favor, two minutes of brushing will keep your teeth and gums clean and your breath fresh.  Flossing gets rid of those pesky popcorn kernels keeping your gums healthy and pink.  Carry a travel-sized toothbrush in your car along with floss so you’ll never be caught off guard with bad breath or with food stuck in your teeth.

Don’t Forget to Scrape Your Tongue

If you brush and floss and still think you have bad breath, talk to our East Stroudsburg dentist about a tongue scraper.  Scraping your tongue is painless, but removes the bacterium that is thriving in your mouth and causing bad breath.  Gently scrape your tongue a few times with the proper tool and rinse with mouthwash or fresh water.  The result will leave you with fresh breath and a clean mouth.

Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

Change out your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months and rinse it out after every use.  Toothbrushes should be stored upright and not touching other brushes.  This helps to avoid cross-contamination of other germs and bacteria.  It eliminates the risk of you adding unwanted germs into your mouth.

Consume your favorite foods with moderation and throw in an apple or two (another thing we’re known for) each week.  Brush after you eat and remember your dental appointments.  With proper oral care and healthy food habits, you’ll keep your teeth looking their best year after year.  Follow our Facebook page for more healthy habits and your teeth.