Maintain healthy teeth and gums for life with these oral health tips.
1. Brush twice a day, for at least minutes.
Maintaining good oral hygiene requires brushing your teeth twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bed, for a minimum of two to four minutes each time. Begin by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush in a sweeping motion. Use a downward sweeping motion on your upper teeth and an upward sweeping motion on your lower teeth. Limit back and forth brushing to chewing surfaces.
2. Floss every night.
Regularly flossing your teeth before brushing at night has multiple benefits. It not only clears away food particles and waste, but also reduces the chances of tooth decay. Additionally, it promotes gum health. To achieve optimal results, use a generous length of floss, around 18 inches, so that you can access a fresh section for every few teeth. Remember to move the floss in a gentle 'C' shape, wrapping it around each tooth while moving it forward and backward.
3. Rinse with mouthwash daily.
Including mouthwash in your oral care routine can eliminate the germs that accumulate in your mouth. Since mouthwash can reach areas inaccessible to toothbrushes and floss, it aids in removing debris that can cause gum irritation and potentially result in gum disease.
4. Brush or scrape your tongue daily.
Even after you brush your teeth, bacteria can still linger on your tongue. Including tongue brushing or scraping in your daily routine can eliminate this bacteria and give you fresher breath. Remember to use a separate toothbrush for brushing your teeth and scraping your tongue.
5. Visit the dentist regularly.
Visit the dentist, at least twice a year, for a dental examination and cleaning. Dentists and hygienists have tools and techniques to clean your teeth far more thoroughly than you can at home. Regular exams also mean your dentist can find any issues that are developing sooner and offer treatment options to prevent them from getting worse.
6. Don't delay dental treatments.
Lots of people are afraid of going to the dentist, and some think it's too expensive. But the reality is, regular check-ups and treatments are affordable compared to extensive procedures like dental crowns or implants. Neglecting necessary treatments can harm your dental health and end up costing you more in the future.
7. Make healthy food choices and minimize sugar.
Your diet impacts your entire body, including your teeth. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables while reducing your sugar intake is important to prevent cavities. To keep your gums and teeth healthy, make sure to get enough calcium and Vitamin D. Instead of relying solely on supplements, try drinking milk, fortified orange juice, and consuming yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. Additionally, Vitamin B complex plays a crucial role in protecting your gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding.
8. Limit pop, coffee, and alcohol.
Enhanced beverages with ingredients like corn syrup and food dye may cause your teeth to lose their brightness and become stained. Opting for drinks like milk, which promotes tooth strength and enamel health, or water, which keeps your body hydrated, is a smarter choice.
9. Wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
It is advisable to wear a mouth guard to safeguard your teeth and gums from the impact or injury caused by sports or contact activities. Many dental clinics provide custom-made mouth guards that comfortably fit your smile, ensuring that your teeth remain protected from harm.
10. Avoid habits that are harmful to your teeth.
It's best to avoid tobacco and other harmful substances to protect your teeth. Additionally, try to avoid habits like biting your nails or using your teeth to open bottle caps. If you have a habit of sucking your thumb, biting your lip, thrusting your tongue, or clenching your teeth, it's a good idea to speak with a dentist about possible treatment options.peak with a dentist about possible treatment options.