Teeth are important. We use them daily to eat, to speak, and to smile. It’s one of the first things people notice about each other when they meet. Not only that, more and more is being discovered about oral health’s relationship to general well-being and avoidance of serious diseases like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. So, it goes without saying that your teeth deserve special attention.
Here are the most important practices to improve and maintain good oral health.
Brush your teeth! You’ve heard it since you were a kid. It’s practically a cliche, but that doesn’t make it any less true. You should be brushing at least twice every day. Whether you brush first thing when you wake up or before you head out the door, get one in every morning. This sets the tone for the day. Besides the obvious health benefits, that feeling of smooth teeth and fresh breath will encourage you to step up your game and maybe brush again after lunch.
Most importantly though, don’t go to bed without brushing. Allowing sugars to sit on your teeth also allows bacteria to feed on them, plaque and tartar to form, and more serious problems like gum disease to begin to take root. Brushing before bed also might help to avoid morning breath.
Remembering to brush twice a day is a good place to start, but effective brushing begins with technique. Brushing in gentle, circular motions and making sure you reach every side of every tooth is key. It removes plaque which can turn into some serious oral health issues. Listen when your dentist or dental hygienist explains how to brush and ask questions if you have them.
When brushing, make sure you give it the time it deserves. Brushing for at least 2 minutes is the best way to ensure you’re getting the job done well. Set a timer on your phone, put a sand timer by the bathroom sink, or choose a favorite song to brush along to.
We often think of brushing as most important and flossing as something to do when we remember, but flossing is just as important as brushing and should be given equal respect. Getting food particles, plaque, and tartar from between your teeth helps you avoid gum disease, bad breath, cavities, and even infection, as well as improve gum strength. Whenever you brush, take time to floss.
We think of plaque as a tooth issue, but it can build up just about anywhere in the mouth, including your tongue. Having a clean tongue also contributes to better breath and overall oral health. Add a quick tongue-brushing to your routine and your oral health will thank you.
There are hundreds of toothpastes out there and along with them dozens of flavors and health claims, but when selecting a toothpaste, the most important word to look for is fluoride. Fluoride protects your teeth from cavities and decay, so whether you go with mint, all natural, sensitive, or whitening, make sure it includes fluoride.
It would be difficult to come up with a single habit you can add to your daily life that has a greater impact on overall health than drinking lots and lots of water. Staying hydrated helps you avoid headaches, aids in weight loss, digestion, urinary tract health, and even oral health. Saliva is key in cleaning your mouth all day long, which helps combat bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.
Bacteria live on sugar and the more you feed them the more comfortable they become. Pretty soon they will move into your teeth. Kicking the sugar habit is a great step not only in oral health, but holistically as well. If you’re looking to feel less sluggish, lose a little weight, get rid of those headaches, and avoid cavities, replacing that sugary drink with water and that candy bar with a carrot is a great first step.
Eating your vegetables isn’t just good for vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. It also puts your teeth through a necessary workout that strengthens and protects them against numerous oral health issues. Harder fruits and vegetables naturally clean your teeth as you eat, and the added vitamin C protects against gingivitis and a whole slew of health problems.
Following all the above guidelines is a great way to keep your teeth happy, but it’s still important to see a dentist twice a year at least. Having your teeth professionally cleaned, as well as having regular checkups will help you avoid unforeseen and sometimes unavoidable problems. Your hygienist and dentist know what to look for and can suggest alterations to your routines. They can also see things you cannot.
Besides going to the sink and brushing right now, the best place to start when seeking to improve your oral health is by seeing a professional. Not only can Dentist of Gardena catch problems before they become serious, but they can also advise you on how to best take care of your teeth every day. We have access to information and expertise that can help you improve your oral health right now!
Schedule your appointment with Dentist of Gardenia at (424) 321-7470 and take control of your oral health today!