A healthy, bright smile is the result of good dental care. If you look after your teeth and gums, you will prevent the build-up of cavities and plaque. Furthermore, proper dental hygiene can prevent serious medical issues and keep you healthy. To keep your teeth and gums healthier, here are top tips to take note of:
Brush Your Tongue
To fight the bacteria in your mouth, brush your tongue as part of your daily routine. This will keep your teeth healthy and stop bad breath. Use a toothbrush that comes with a tongue and cheek cleaner so you can remove all the bacteria from your mouth.
Brush Correctly
When you brush your teeth, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use back and forth up and down strokes. To reach behind your teeth, repeat the brushing motion and use gentle pressure to prevent gum erosion.
Change Your Toothbrush Regularly
Most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3 months or right after an illness. If you can’t remember when you should change your brush, mark it on the calendar. You should also refrain from sharing your toothbrush with other people as this can spread bacteria in your mouth.
Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
This natural mineral helps harden the tooth enamel and prevent cavities, so before you buy a toothpaste, make sure you read the label.
Floss Your Teeth Daily
Flossing at least once a day helps remove the plaque and food from all the places your toothbrush hasn’t been able to. It does not matter when you floss as long as you do it once a day after you’ve eaten.
Quit Smoking
Smoking causes gum disease so it’s another good reason to quit now. Since tobacco weakens your immune system, it can also cause gum infection and many other oral issues. Once you have developed gum disease, it will be difficult, or impossible, for your gums to be treated.
Don’t Get Stressed
Stress is a leading cause of many health issues, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. This is because cortisol levels in the body are increased as a result of stress and they can intensify gum and bone destruction. What’s more, people who experience stress are more likely to forget about their oral hygiene.
Drink Carefully
All sugary drinks can erode your teeth’ enamel and damage your gums. It’s best to drink less fizzy drinks and fruit juices and more water to help protect your teeth. Alcohol is another contributor to teeth and gum damage so you should limit your intake. Alcoholic beverages contain phosphorus, which is a mineral that’s good for the teeth, however, too much of anything can be bad for you and this goes for phosphorus too. By drinking too much alcohol, the calcium level in your body is depleted, thus causing dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay. You can, as an alternative, opt for drinks that help strengthen your enamel and hydrate your body like water. But if you need to drink sugary beverages or alcohol, use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
Brush Your Teeth Every Morning and Evening
You must brush your teeth after you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed at night. This helps remove the plaque from your teeth and prevent bacteria. Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes in preventing gingivitis and tooth decay.
Use Mouthwash
A good quality mouthwash can help reduce gum infection and tartar build-up. It removes food particles and debris from the mouth, but it’s not a flossing or brushing substitute. As an alternative, you can use warm water and salt mixture to do a mouth rinse every few days or so.
A Healthy Diet is Important
A healthy diet is just as important as oral hygiene. Starchy foods, fruits, vegetables, and wholegrain are all needed as part of your healthy and balanced diet plus you should include good sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, beans, and lean meats. Limit the intake of sugar and fat to stay healthy and fit.
Beverages can Stain Your Teeth
Coffee, wine, and tea can stain your teeth. It’s wise to keep them to a minimum and visit your dental hygienist every 6 months for a professional teeth cleaning session. If your teeth are heavily stained, consider teeth whitening at your dentist and try to drink your beverages with a straw.
Clean Your Oral Care Kit Regularly
By rinsing your toothbrush after using it and storing it in an upright position inside the bathroom cabinet, you can help prevent bacteria from entering your mouth through your brush. Avoid covering the head of the brush as it can lead to bacteria build-up.
Pay a Visit to Your Dentist Regularly
Bi-annual visits to your dentist for a comprehensive check-up can reveal problems and prevent them from worsening. Your dentist can advise you about the best oral care techniques and tartar removal recommendations.
Taking care of your teeth and gums will be highly beneficial for your overall health. After all, the more attention you pay to your teeth, the less likely you are to face oral or even cardiovascular issues. By taking care of your oral hygiene properly, your next dental visit will certainly not be as costly or stressful.
