Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to your overall health. Even if you are told you have a sparkling smile, it is necessary to take care of your teeth to prevent the chances of developing gum disease. You also never know what could be happening in the places we can’t see.
Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice A Day
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It is one of the most crucial practices for keeping your teeth clean. While regular brushing is effective, don’t be too aggressive. Brush using circular motions, back, front, and top of every tooth. It is a process that takes an average of 2 minutes. You want to make sure that you are getting every crook and cranny, however, brushing too hard can be very damaging to your gums.The ADA also recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles so you won’t have to worry about potentially hurting yourself in the process. Additionally, you should replace your toothbrush every three months or when it becomes frayed.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Many dentists recommend fluoride as the best toothpaste for cleaning teeth. Lack of fluoride can cause tooth decay, even if you take plenty of care. Recent research proves that brushing doesn’t prevent dental cavities if you don’t use fluoride. Several organizations also recommend fluoride use, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention World Health Organization. Floss Your Teeth At Least Once a Day
Flossing helps to remove bacteria, especially where a toothbrush can hardly reach. Flossing can also discourage lousy breath by removing trapped food between your teeth. When flossing, avoid snapping. Otherwise, you can cause pain than removing plaque effectively. Flossing is also an important step that should not be ignored. Neglecting to floss can cause bacteria buildup and early signs of tooth decay from all the foods that sit in your teeth.
Brush Your Tongue
Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Bacteria can also build up on it, causing your mouth to smell bad. An unclean tongue can also cause other oral issues such as thrash and smelly breath. Forgetting to brush your tongue can also lead to a higher risk of digestive problems Consider buying a tongue scraper or a toothbrush containing a scraper on the back. They are affordable and proven to increase the state of your oral health.
Schedule Regular Dental Appointments
It is recommended to visit a dentist after every six months for a checkup. During a dental examination, your dentist will clean teeth to remove plaque and other bacteria. A hygienist will also inspect visual signs of gum disease, cavities, mouth cancer, and other dental problems. Sometimes, they may use X-rays to check cavities. It is easy to forget or cancel scheduled appointments. Be sure to keep your appointments on a calendar and set reminders on your phone.
Consider probiotics
When considering dental probiotics, it is essential to choose the products that are right for you. For example, if you are looking for a product for healthier teeth and gums, try finding something that will get rid of the problem as well as prevent the problem from coming back. You want to make sure that any dental probiotic you decide to use promotes dental health and healthy bacterial balance.
Rinse Your Mouth
According to dental specialists, mouthwash can help in three ways; re-mineralize your teeth, reduce mouth acid, and clean hard-to-reach areas. Talk with your dentist to recommend the best mouthwash to use. Some products are best for those with sensitive teeth. If you don’t already, you can also add in a mouthwash that also contains fluoride to also aids in the strengthening of your teeth.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking compromises the immune system, making it difficult for the body to recover tissue, especially those in the mouth. According to CDC, smoking is a risk factor for periodontal disease. ADA also says that those who smoke are at higher risk of experiencing slow healing after a dental procedure. Smoking also alters the appearance of the mouth. For example, the more your teeth are exposed to the chemicals in your cigarette, the more yellowing you will experience. Let’s not forget to mention the bad breath associated with tobacco.
Limit Your Sugary Food Intake
Sugar consumption can cause cavities. Several kinds of research continue to demonstrate sugar’s role in dental health issues. Candies and pastries are common culprits, but many processed meals contain sugar. World Health Organization advises a sugar consumption limit of less than 10% of daily calories. Lowering it to even 5% would minimize the risk of cavities. If you do have a sweet tooth and can’t help yourself, make sure to brush and floss after eating your favorite sweet snack.
Eat Nutritional Diet
Dentists advocate eating an apple every day can help clean your teeth, prevent cavities, and satisfy your sweet tooth. Eating crunchy produce like carrots and celery can also help make your gums active and cavity-free. Generally, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, fowl, and fish (mainly organic) will improve your dental health and entire health.
Drink a Lot of Water
Of course, it is very important that you are drinking the recommended amount of water daily for your overall health. Many health experts suggest drinking water after each meal. It may assist in removing sticky food from your mouth. Drinking water can also prevent demineralization, especially when you don’t have a toothbrush. You are also stopping the buildup of plaque on your teeth just by drinking water regularly throughout the day. The method is primarily helpful after consuming sugary or acidic foods.
The Final Thought
Practicing dental hygiene comes with a lot of benefits. Brushing and flossing daily, visiting dentists regularly, and eating a healthful diet can help prevent cavities, gum diseases, and other dental problems. Although it may seem like a lot of work, you also have to remember that it is to keep you and your teeth healthy. Practicing these tips every day will ensure your teeth stay healthy and clean. It is best to consult a dental professional in order to get the best recommendation for your oral health.
