Taking proper care of your teeth is critical for good dental health.  The amount of time and effort you invest into your teeth will pay huge dividends for you. You are probably aware that daily and brushing and flossing are necessary, but there are other steps that can help you maintain the health of your teeth. Knowing other steps that can help improve your smile is important.

Step #1:  Know your health

Taking certain medications can cause you to frequently experience dry mouth. This causes your body to produce less saliva and could increase the chance of decay. Be sure to discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist.

Additionally, hormonal imbalance in menopausal women can reduce the amount of saliva your mouth produces, and this should be taken into consideration and discussed with your dentist.

Step #2: Stop smoking

The use of tobacco products may cause severe damage to your teeth and gums.

Listed below are common dental problems for smokers:

1. Increased risk of oral cancer.
2. Greater possibility of getting gum disease.
3. Discolored teeth that are stained by the tobacco product.

Consider discussing a method to help you quit smoking with your doctor.

Step #3: Eat a balanced diet

The food you put into your body will impact your overall health. Work to eliminate snacking on sugar and foods that are loaded with fat. These contribute greatly to decay and should be avoided on a daily basis.

Additionally, snacking can cause bacteria to build up on your teeth. Be sure to brush after each time you snack to protect your teeth from plaque.

Step #4: Examine your mouth regularly

Be sure to take the time to look at your gums, tongue and teeth on a regular basis. Your dentist will only see you a couple times a year and you should look for sudden changes.

Listed below are things to look for regularly:

1. Swollen gums – This could be the early signs of gum disease and should be addressed by your dentist.
2. Lesions or sores – Check for any unusual sores on your tongue or cheeks.
3. Chipped teeth – If you damage a tooth in between your dental visits, it's important to have this examined.

The way your take care of your teeth is certain to show itself over time. Be sure to talk to a dentist like Pike Lake Dental Center about ways to help you maintain your dental health.