Oral health can be a window to your overall health. And a good row of teeth requires a lifetime of care. You’re probably brushing your teeth every day, probably even twice a day! But there’s a lot more you can do at home to keep your gums and teeth happy. Building these oral care habits is crucial to prevent dental health issues.
1. Brush Before You Go To Bed
Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day is a great dental care practice. It is crucial to eliminate germs and plaque that would’ve built up throughout the day. Brushing your teeth twice daily also helps prevent gum disease and bad breath. Make sure you spend about 2-3 minutes brushing your teeth, spending enough time in each area so every tooth gets a thorough brush.
This might be the most common oral health advice you must’ve heard. Have you started following it yet?
2. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Preventing unwanted bacteria growth on your tongue is just as important. Plaque buildup on our tongue can lead to foul odor and other oral health issues. So make sure you clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth by gently brushing it or using a tongue scraper.
3. Replace Your Toothbrush Often
Replacing your toothbrush regularly is essential to prevent that bacteria buildup. It is recommended that you change your toothbrushes about every three months.
Soft-bristled and electronic toothbrushes are the best of the many options. They allow for thorough cleaning without hard scrubbing, which can cause enamel loss and receding gums.
4. Are You Ignoring Flossing?
This is another tip we hear often. Flossing is not just to get that stubborn piece of herb out from between your teeth. It is a crucial step in your dental care routine to prevent plaque buildup. Flossing is also suitable for your gum health. It stimulates the gum and lowers inflammation. Many professionals also recommend pushing the floss up to the gum line.
5. Another Reason To Avoid Smoking
As you might already know, smoking is known to cause cancer and other gum diseases. And in the short term, smoking can cause discoloration and even bad breath. It harms your immune system, causing your tissues to heal slower. This can affect your healing process after dental procedures, too.
6. Use Fluoride
Fluoride has been known to fight germs that cause tooth decay by creating a protective layer on your teeth. Studies even suggest that a lack of fluoride can cause tooth decay. Although fluoride is now commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwashes, some don’t have it. Whichever toothpaste you prefer, make sure it contains fluoride. Another thing you can do to make fluoride a part of your oral care routine is to drink fluoridated water.
7. Use Mouthwash Regularly
Some studies suggest mouthwash can be good for your oral health. Mouthwashes can improve your oral health regimen in multiple ways. They regulate the amount of acid in your mouth and reach areas that are difficult to reach just by brushing and re-mineralize your teeth. This helps you create a more protective environment against bacteria. Although, mouthwash shouldn’t be substituted for brushing and flossing our teeth.
8. Reduce Sugary And Acidic Food Intake
Acidic foods can wear down tooth enamel, and sugary foods convert into acid in the mouth. This erosion of enamel can lead to cavities in the future. And the bacteria that causes cavities is created by acids in your mouth.
You don’t have to avoid sugary and acidic foods altogether, but being mindful of their consumption can help prevent these issues. Lowering your sugar intake to 5-10% of your daily calories can prevent cavities.
9. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even if you religiously follow all the recommendations above, you still need to see your dentist regularly. Your dentist can spot potential issues with your dental hygiene, like cavities and other gum diseases. Other than checkups, cleanings are also a crucial way of maintaining dental health for years.
Summing Up
Practicing good oral care habits is vital to maintaining overall health. Although these practices can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy, they don’t prevent all dental issues. Even the most attentive people can miss gauging dental problems only a dentist can spot and treat. So even if nothing is causing you trouble, visiting your dentist is essential for maintaining your oral health. At TruCare Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority. We provide same-day dental care and treat all dental emergencies. If you’re looking for the best dentist in Roswell or the best emergency dentist in Roswell, GA, or neighboring areas such as Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Marietta, Milton, Sandy Springs, or Woodstock, call (678) 321-7575 or visit our website to book an appointment today.