Dr. Ehsan Pourshirazi, DDS, understands that maintaining optimal oral health can be a challenge in the modern age. To help keep your smile healthy and bright, he has compiled his top five tips for achieving optimal oral health in 2023! Follow these tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1. Rethink Your Diet
Your diet plays a big role in the overall health of your teeth. Dr. Pourshirazi says, “Many of my patients turn to sugary snacks or processed foods without considering the impact that they can have on their oral health. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and reducing processed food intake can make a big difference in your dental health.”
According to Dr. Pourshirazi, sugary and starchy foods can damage your teeth by leaving a sticky film on them that bacteria can feed off of, leading to plaque buildup. It’s best to limit these kinds of foods and opt for healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables.
2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Dr. Pourshirazi recommends that all his patients visit their dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. “It’s important to stay on top of your oral health,” he says, “because problems with your teeth and gums can become serious if left untreated.” During regular checkups, your dentist can detect any potential problems early on and provide you with the necessary treatments to prevent further damage.
For instance, Dr. Pourshirazi often sees cavities that have turned into Periodontitis, which in turn, leads to tooth loss and decay. An expert in tooth implants, Dr. Pourshirazi says, “The best way to avoid these types of serious problems is to get regular dental checkups and take care of any small issues before they could lead to permanent tooth loss.”
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the chances of dry mouth, which is a common cause of bad breath and cavities. Dehydration leads to less saliva production, which can lead to bacteria buildup in the mouth. Staying hydrated not only helps maintain an optimal pH balance in your mouth, but it can also help to flush away food particles that may be stuck between your teeth or gums.
For people struggling to get enough water in their diet, Dr. Pourshirazi recommends incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals as they contain a lot of natural water. In addition, consider adding a few drops of lemon to your water to help stimulate salivation and keep your mouth feeling fresh! By staying hydrated and eating the right foods, you can help maintain a healthy balance in your mouth.
4. Remember to Floss
While you might brush your teeth twice a day, the importance of flossing is often overlooked. Flossing helps remove plaque buildup in between your teeth and gums, which can lead to serious issues if left untreated. In addition, it helps to reduce bad breath by removing food particles that may be stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
Dr. Pourshirazi recommends that all his patients floss at least once daily to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental issues. He suggests using waxed or flavored floss to make it easier and more enjoyable. For patients with crowded teeth or braces, he recommends using a special flossing tool to make it easier to get in between your teeth.
5. Make Oral Health a Routine
For the most part, oral health is all about making it a routine. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily, and use mouthwash regularly to help prevent plaque buildup and decay. Dr. Pourshirazi knows that taking your oral health seriously might seem like a chore, but it’s important to make it a habit if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you find yourself in need of dental care, don’t wait for it to become an emergency! Make sure that you schedule regular visits with your dentist so they can identify any potential issues early on and provide the necessary treatment.
To help make your dental health a routine, consider these tips:
- Begin by integrating an oral health routine into your daily schedule. Whether it’s before bed or in the morning, find a time that works best for you and commit to making it a habit.
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice each day — once in the morning and once at night.
- Floss between your teeth every single day. Flossing helps to remove trapped food particles and plaque buildup.
- Use mouthwash or a water pick once per day to help clean the areas around your teeth and gums.
By following these tips, you can keep your oral health in optimal condition throughout! You can also make it easier on yourself to remember your dental hygiene routine by scheduling reminders on your phone or setting the alarm. Whatever works best for you!
About Dr. Ehsan Pourshirazi
Dr. Ehsan Pourshirazi attended the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and earned his DDS. He is a leading expert in implant dentistry and has a passion for patient care and cosmetic dentistry. He has been instrumental in developing techniques for modern dental implants and has completed over 2,000 combined training hours from Goethe University and California Implant Institute.
To learn more about Dr. Ehsan Pourshirazi, you can visit his Linkedin profile.
