Your oral health must be prioritized because it is directly linked to your overall health, and if you do not take good care of it, you may develop health conditions like heart disease and respiratory problems in addition to an unattractive smile and unsightly teeth.
The good news is there are ways to improve your oral health, and you must do the following:
Maintain a Strict Oral Hygiene Routine
It is a must that you brush and floss your teeth twice a day to maintain a healthy smile. This will prevent food from becoming stuck between your teeth, and your mouth will receive the proper cleaning it needs. Regular brushing can help prevent gum disease and bad breath, and your teeth will remain nice and clean.
Following a proper oral hygiene routine will help get your oral health back on track, but it is a must that you brush properly. There is a technique to this process, and doing it improperly will not do any good. You need to brush for 2 minutes each time and must spend 30 seconds in each area of your mouth. Make sure you brush every tooth and not just one area.
Choose the Right Toothbrush and Replace It Regularly
There are so many options when you walk down a toothbrush aisle, and it is very important that you choose the right product. Soft-bristled and electronic toothbrushes are the best options and are the most effective in keeping your teeth bright and clean. Both of these toothbrushes will cleanse your teeth gently without the need for hard scrubbing and possible long-term damage like receding gums and enamel loss.
In addition to choosing the right toothbrush, it is equally as important to replace your toothbrush regularly, and it is recommended that you do this every three months.
Floss Every Day
Many people are guilty of flossing once in a while, and this can negatively impact your oral health. Flossing is just as important as brushing, and only when you do both will you be able to maintain a healthy smile. Flossing is the only way to remove food that is stuck between your teeth, and doing this at least once a day will help keep your gums healthy and will also help prevent cavities from forming.
The more you floss, the better your gum health will be. If you experience bleeding when flossing, it may be a sign of gingivitis or poor gum health, or it may be an indication that you do not floss often enough. You need to discuss this with your Tavistock dentist to receive more information regarding your gums and how you can stop the bleeding.
Don’t Forget About Your Tongue
Your tongue needs attention because, just like your teeth and gums, your tongue can accumulate a variety of bacteria if left uncleaned. Using a tongue scraper is highly recommended, as is a toothbrush with a scraper on the back, as this will help remove bacteria and improve your breath.
Limit Your Coffee Intake
Many of us need that daily cup of coffee to get through the day, but this can stain your teeth and cause discoloration. The same is true for red wine and dark berries because these are examples of beverages and foods that can become embedded in the cracks and ridges of your enamel and cause yellowish stains on your teeth.
Coffee also contains acid, which can wear out your enamel and potentially lead to tooth decay in the future. Try to limit your coffee intake, and if you drink a lot of it, try using a straw, as this will allow for minimal exposure to your teeth.
Decrease Sugar Intake
Desserts, sugary drinks like sodas and juices and alcoholic beverages can all put you at a higher risk for cavities which are bacterial infections created by acids in your mouth. When you eat a diet high in sugar, the harmful bacteria in your mouth will feed off of it, which will lead to cavities and tooth enamel decay. Decreasing your sugar intake will help keep your teeth clean and cavity-free.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups must be part of your oral hygiene routine. Dentists will make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, and if they detect any signs that are concerning, they will provide you with treatment right away. They can detect problems while they are still minor which will prevent the need for invasive and expensive dental surgeries.
Conclusion
Are you ready to get your oral health back on track? Tavistock Family Dentistry can help! We will discuss all of the steps you can take to achieve a healthier smile and will tell you about the different treatments we offer to enhance the look of your teeth. We would love to be a part of your oral health journey, and whether you need dental implants or an emergency dentist in Tavistock, we do it all.
Get in touch today to schedule your next appointment!
