In order to achieve a smile that is both beautiful and healthy, you will have to prioritize taking care of your oral health by using a mixture of both preventive care and prompt treatment for dental issues (no matter how small) whenever they arise. You will also need to ensure that you get the right oral care products while being mindful of your daily oral habits.
There are many different oral health advice available on the internet today, and it can be hard knowing the ones that are actually important to your teeth and gum health. To make things easier for you, here are 10 essential oral care tips that can help you maintain a healthy smile for several years to come.
1. Brushing Your Teeth Everyday
You’ve probably been hearing this since your very first dental visit as a child. Brushing your teeth twice a day, every day, is very crucial for maintaining good oral health. It is brushing that helps remove debris and leftover food particles (which can bond with saliva to form plaque) from your mouth. It also helps prevent the buildup of bacteria which can cause tooth decay.
2. Flossing is Just as Important as Brushing
Flossing does the job of clearing away food particles and plaque from those hard-to-reach places (between the teeth) that your toothbrush can’t reach. This makes it just as important as brushing because plaque forming and remaining in those hard-to-reach places puts you at risk for tooth decay and gum disease, which according to research, is also linked to diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and Alzheimer’s.
Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably after your last meal of the day. For older adults and young children, flossing may be difficult, but it is important to not let those difficulties stop you. Instead, look for tools such as ready-to-use dental flossers that make flossing easier.
3. Don’t Neglect to Brush Your Tongue
Good oral hygiene encompasses taking care of your entire mouth. When brushing your teeth, always remember to give your tongue a quick gentle brush. This will help remove plaque and prevent bacteria buildup. Brushing your tongue can also help you prevent bad breath.
4. Buy a Soft-bristled Toothbrush and Change it Often
Contrary to popular belief, using abrasive materials or scrubbing your teeth too hard won’t make your teeth cleaner. All it does is wear out your teeth’ enamel and lead to issues like gum recession and tooth sensitivity. Always go for a toothbrush with soft bristles, and ensure that you brush gently. Electric toothbrushes are also a great choice, as they come with soft bristles and modes to prevent you from brushing too hard.
Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush often. Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months or as soon as you notice that its bristles are beginning to look frayed.
5. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
When buying toothpaste, make sure to look for products that contain fluoride. Fluoride is very effective in fighting against tooth decay. It kills those decay-causing germs and provides your teeth with a protective barrier.
6. Limit Your Sugar Intake
One of the major contributors to tooth decay is sugar. When you consume sugary foods, the leftover food particles tend to feed the bacteria that live in your mouth. Foods with high sugar content also encourage these bacteria to grow even faster, and the result is tooth decay and cavities. In order to keep your oral bacteria under control, you will need to cut down on the amount of sugar you consume.
7. See Your Dentist Twice a Year
In order to preserve your oral health, you need to schedule routine dental exams with your dentist in cave creek az, or one that is in your local area, at least twice a year. In addition to giving you a professional dental cleaning, these exams offer an opportunity for your dentist to diagnose those early signs of tooth decay and treat them before things get worse. You can click here to request an appointment with a reputable dentist offering specialised dental and orthodontist services for both you and your child.
8. Consider Mouthwash
Another thing you need to add to your dental hygiene routine is mouthwash. Mouthwash is good for reducing the amount of acid in the mouth. It also helps in cleaning those areas of the mouth that are hard to brush and floss. Some products even help with certain oral conditions such as; mouth ulcers and teeth sensitivity.
Do bear in mind that mouthwash alone won’t prevent tooth decay or cure bad breath, but it can improve your breath and help your mouth feel fresher. Also, make sure to talk to your dentist about mouthwash recommendations.
9. Hydration is Important
Staying hydrated is another way to maintain good oral health. When you drink water, the debris left behind by sugary and acidic foods gets washed away. Proper hydration also helps with the production of enough healthy saliva, which is good for oral health. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
10. Eat Calcium-Rich Foods
Calcium is essential for teeth and bone health, so ensure that you consume enough calcium-rich foods such as salmon, almonds, sardines, cheese, milk, and leafy green vegetables like spinach.
Conclusion
Achieving a beautiful and healthy smile isn’t hard. You just need to commit to good preventative oral care and the tips above are some of the surefire ways you can ensure optimal oral health. It is also a good idea to visit a reliable dentist by searching on Google for something like “Sutton dentists.”