Many dentists agree that proper dental hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. However, good dental hygiene shouldn’t stop at simple flossing and brushing. There’s a lot more to maintaining your teeth and gum line healthy.
To preserve your dental health, consider following these twelve essential dental hygiene tips:
1. Always brush your teeth correctly To brush your teeth in the right way, use short and careful movements, and pay additional attention to your gums. To ensure your mouth is clean throughout the day, make sure to brush your teeth at least twice - in the morning and the evening. Brushing is essential to eliminate plaque that coats your teeth, which triggers decay and gum infection.
2. Use the proper toothbrush According to the American Dental Association, it’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is more gentle on your gums. Make sure it fits in your mouth, and its shape and size allow you to reach all important areas.
3. Clean your tongue The major benefit of cleaning your tongue is that it removes the sticky film of bacteria that forms on it. This bacteria can potentially lead to the onset of bad breath and cavities. To take care of this problem, use a tongue scraper as it provides better results than a regular toothbrush.
4. See your dentist regularly It’s important to schedule twice-yearly professional dental checkups and cleaning. This will allow you to spot any issues early and prevent them from becoming serious dental problems. Your dental specialist will also use professional tools to remove plaque and food residue accumulated in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
5. Floss daily By flossing your teeth every day you’ll remove food residue that gets stuck between your teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. This will help decrease your chances of developing cavities and gum disease.
6. Don’t use tobacco products Various tobacco products not only contribute to the discoloration of your teeth but also increase your risk of mouth cancer, periodontitis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. By quitting this bad habit, you can preserve both your dental and overall health.
7. Limit sugary foods and drinks Foods that are laced with sugar are the common culprits of tooth decay. Sugary drinks contain lots of acids that can dissolve the protective layer of your teeth, leading to sensitivity, infection, and even tooth loss. By avoiding these, you can ensure that your teeth will serve you a lifetime.
8. Eat crisp fruits and veggies Snaking on crunchy vegetables and fruits like carrots, apples, celery, and broccoli can help clean your teeth naturally. Besides, these foods will make you chew a lot, helping increase the production of saliva, which neutralizes dangerous oral bacteria.
9. Take your daily value of calcium and vitamins Similar to your bones, your teeth require calcium to grow and stay strong. Try getting your daily dose of calcium and vitamins to make your teeth and jawbone stronger and keep your gum line healthy.
10. Stay hydrated Drinking more water is beneficial both for your overall and dental health. Consuming fluids after meals can help wash out food residue and acids that build up in your mouth and lead to tooth decay and gum infection.
11. Change your toothbrush regularly Experts suggest you change your brush every 3 months, as over time its bristles get polluted with dangerous microbes. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or after you have been sick.
12. Rinse your mouth Apart from refreshing your breath, a mouthwash helps protect your teeth and gums by removing bacteria and food particles from your mouth. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can help remineralize your enamel and prevent it from wearing out.
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