You know that dentist appointment are important, but did you know there are certain things we should be doing every day to ensure a healthy smile? Many people do not realize they have dental problems until it is too late. After years of neglect, these issues can quickly get out of control and lead to a dentist visit that is both costly and uncomfortable.
In this blog post, we will discuss 12 easy habits for perfect oral hygiene!
Here’s what you should be doing:
Brush your teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. Not only is it important to brush twice per day but you need to use the proper technique for brushing. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle in order to avoid aggressively running the toothbrush along your gums. Aggressive brushing can damage your gums as well as your teeth, so make sure to take it easy. Also, use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Brush your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes. Make sure to brush all tooth surfaces and rinse well after every brushing. Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes, so they are highly recommended.
Daily flossing is key to maintaining proper dental hygiene. You should also consider using a Waterpik as supplemental cleaning.
In addition to brushing your teeth and flossing every day, make sure you also use mouthwash as an added oral hygiene measure. Mouthwash doesn’t remove bacteria and particles of food as effectively as brushing and flossing, but it is a good supplemental habit.
It is important to visit your dentist every six months. This can ensure any potential dental problems are identified and addressed before they can worsen.
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Certain drinks such as soda, coffee, sports drinks, and juice can be very acidic. Some foods are acidic as well. Make sure when you consume foods and beverages such as these that you limit the amount as well as the exposure of your teeth to them. Drinking through a straw can help, and so can rinsing your mouth with water afterward.
Choose water often! Water is good for you but not only that, most major cities add fluoride to their water. Consuming fluoridated water is good for your oral health. It strengthens your teeth enamel making it more resistant to cavities.
Simple habits like consuming small amounts of sweets can help you maintain a healthy smile. Sweets are tempting treats, but there is more to them than you realize. Not only do they pack a lot of calories, it doesn’t take much for sugar to create an environment that bacteria can thrive in. Bacteria consume the sugar in your mouth creating acid that eats away at your enamel. This is one of the leading causes of cavities. Sugary foods also require more effort to remove from teeth, as they are often sticky.
Choose healthier foods. Not only are healthier foods usually better for your body, but they are also better for your teeth as well. Eating right can help you reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth as well as support your body, bones, and teeth through vitamin support.
Don’t chew on things that your body wasn’t meant to chew on. These can be things such as pencils, fingernails, or even chomping on hard candies or ice. This sort of behavior can damage your teeth.
Sugar-free gum is a good alternative to chewing on fingernails or pencils. Not only is it softer and easier on your teeth, but because it is sugar-free, it won’t contribute to tooth decay. In fact, some of them contain xylitol, which is known to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It also stimulates saliva production which helps to clean up and rinse out your mouth to some degree.
Consider fluoride treatments. Speak to your dentist about this service the next time you see him.