Maintaining a healthy smile requires a lifetime of dental care. Taking the right steps daily is crucial to help achieve strong teeth and help prevent future problems. This involves being mindful of your daily habits as well and caring about your dental hygiene. Below are some tips to ensure that you always maintain good oral care.
1) Don’t Go to Bed Without Brushing
Have you ever skipped out on brushing before hitting the sack? The general rule of thumb is to brush at least twice a day. However, many people continue to neglect brushing before bed. Here’s what’s happening in the mouth: Plaque is constantly building up and it takes about 24 hours to mature. Getting in to the habit of brushing regularly prevents the buildup.
2) Brush Your Teeth/Mouth Properly
Yes, in addition to your teeth, you need to brush your mouth (gums, tongue etc.). Poorly brushing your teeth/mouth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time when you brush; it is not a race. Gently move your toothbrush in circular motions to remove plaque. Keep in mind that if plaque is left unremoved it could lead to calculus buildup and early stages of gum disease.
3) Floss Regularly
Flossing is just as important as brushing. Many people that brush on a regular basis tend to neglect flossing. While brushing can clean the surface of your teeth, it cannot do the same for spaces in between. Flossing helps to remove food residue and other substances stuck between your teeth. This healthy habit stimulates the gums, reduces plaque and helps minimize inflammation. It’s good practice to floss at least once a day.
4) Limit Soda/Alcohol Intake and Drink More Water
Too much soda or alcohol can reduce the calcium level of the body, which can cause hygiene problems such as gum disease or tooth decay. It can also leave unwanted sugar behind on your teeth that cavity-causing bacteria love, wearing down tooth-enamel. Instead of these beverages, simply drink water. Water can help wash out leftover food/residue and also dilute the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
Did you know that tap water can also be beneficial? “Bottled water is fast and convenient, but if it is all you drink, you may be missing out on one of the most tooth-friendly minerals: fluoride. Fluoride hardens dental enamel and interferes with the reproductive cycles of oral bacteria, so fill your glass with tap water and drink up.” says Dr. Sharon Shamoiel of Sweet Tooth Dental Center.
5) Eat a Healthier Diet
One of the first areas to decline when your diet is less than ideal is your oral health. The foods you consume can not only affect your general health, but also the health of your teeth and gums. For example, if you consume too much sugar it could lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when plaque comes in contact with sugar, causing acid to wear down your teeth. An ideal diet should consist of mostly whole foods with a lot of lean protein and fresh vegetables. Oh, and don’t forget to take your supplements such as vitamin K2 and vitamin D3. “Consuming Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3 rich foods can have tremendous benefits for your dental health, as it aids long term in strengthening and re-mineralizing of teeth and bones.” says Dr. Kimi Marran of Pure Smiles South Bay.
6) Pay a Visit to the Dentist at Least Twice a Year
Brushing and flossing are crucial to your overall dental health. However, you still should see the dentist for check-ups or cleanings at least twice a year. Dentists can remove calculus build-up, look for cavities, offer solutions to potential oral issues and keep you informed about the latest techniques and advances in dental care. “Health guidelines are constantly in flux, so remain informed by maintaining regular contact with your dental health care team, and stay healthy!” says Dr. Liron Gamzeh of Tenafly Dental Associates.
Dentists referenced in this article:
