Taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing well at home and going to the dentist regularly can help you keep your mouth healthy. By following these oral health tips, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your life.
The procedure of Oral Care
Here are the best oral hygiene routines for better oral health.
Brush for at least minutes twice a day.
Clean your teeth two times every day, preferably in the morning and before going to sleep, for two to four minutes each time. Begin by moving your brush in a sweeping motion at a 45-degree angle. Brush your upper teeth in a downward motion, and brush your lower teeth in an upward motion. You should only brush back and forth on the chewing surfaces.
Floss every night
Flossing your teeth before brushing every night not only helps remove dirt but also reduces the risk of tooth decay. It helps keep your gums healthy too! It’s best to use a piece of floss that’s up to 18 inches long so that you can use a new part of the floss for every few teeth. Keep in mind that the floss should be rubbed over the teeth in a forward and backward ‘C’ shape, allowing the floss to wrap around each tooth.
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Rinse with mouthwash daily
Adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine can help kill the germs that grow in your mouth. Because mouthwash can go where toothbrushes and floss can’t, it can help rid your mouth of debris that can irritate the gum line and lead to gum disease.
Brush or scrape your tongue daily
Bacteria can remain on the tongue even after brushing your teeth. Brushing or scratching your tongue as part of your daily routine can help get rid of this bacteria, and also helps freshen your breath. Be sure to use one toothbrush for brushing and a different toothbrush for scraping your tongue.
Visit the dentist regularly
Visit the dentist at least twice a year for a teeth checkup and cleaning. Dentists and hygienists have the tools and techniques to clean your teeth far more thoroughly than you can at home. Regular checkups also mean that your dentist can catch any developing problems early, and provide treatment options to keep them from getting worse.
Don’t delay dental treatment
Many people have a fear of not being able to get dental treatment, while others avoid getting treatment because they think it will be too expensive. The truth is that preventive checkups and treatments don’t cost much compared to comprehensive care like dental crowns or implants. Avoiding necessary treatments can negatively impact your dental hygiene and cost you more in the long run.
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Choose healthy foods and minimize sugar.
The food you eat impacts your whole body, including your teeth! So make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and minimize cavity-causing sugar. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. You can take supplements, but it is better to drink milk, and fortified orange juice and eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. Vitamin B complex is also essential to prevent gums and teeth from breaking and bleeding.
Limit pop, coffee, and alcohol
Drinks with added ingredients like corn syrup and food dyes can make white teeth lose their shine and color. It is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build strong enamel, and water which hydrates your body.
Put on a mouth guard to keep your teeth safe
If you play sports or do activities where there might be contact, it’s a good idea to wear a mouth guard to keep your teeth and gums safe from getting hurt. Most dental offices offer patients custom-made mouthguards to comfortably fit their smile and keep their teeth safe from damage.
Stay away from habits that can harm your teeth
Stay away from tobacco and other substances that are harmful to your teeth, and try to give up habits like biting your nails or opening bottle caps with your teeth. If you have a habit of sucking your thumb, biting your lips, biting your tongue, or clenching your teeth, consult a dentist for treatment options.
Conclusion
Many of our patients ask us for tips for healthy teeth and gums. Although each dentist’s dental care tips may vary slightly, the general ways to care for your teeth remain the same:
- Remember to brush your teeth and floss regularly.
- Make smart food choices by limiting your intake of sugar and acidic foods.
- Visit the dentist twice per year.
These tips can not only boost your oral health but can also keep your smile healthy and bright. For more advice and information about looking after your oral health, contact your dentists.
