A healthy mouth will improve your health and well-being.
There’s no one in the world with a smile like yours. That’s why it’s so important to take care of it! A happy, healthy mouth is a beautiful one. Yet, it doesn’t get that way on its own. Staying on top of your oral hygiene can ensure that your teeth and gums stay in the best condition possible.
Ready to begin a new routine? Today, we’re sharing a few easy steps to follow for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
1. Learn how to brush the right way.
You do your best to brush twice a day, but if you’re rushing through the motions before falling into bed, you might not be getting the full benefit that brushing provides. The same goes if you’re applying too much pressure to your teeth, or using bristles that are too hard or too soft.
Are you still hanging on to the same toothbrush that you got from your dentist last year? It’s time to invest in a new one and refresh your memory on how to brush the correct way. These tips from the American Dental Association can help you get started. The basics to remember include the following:
- Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums
- Use short strokes as you move your toothbrush from side to side
- Brush every surface of your teeth (inside and out), as well as your chewing surface
Once you’re on the right track, these habits will become second nature.
2. Don’t forget to floss.
Research shows that nearly 70% of Americans either skip flossing altogether or only do it periodically. While it might not be the most glamorous task, this is one of the most important parts of your oral care routine.
When you neglect to floss regularly, you allow pesky plaque to build up in and around your teeth, as well as along your gum lines. This can lead to both tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Using about 18 to 24 inches of dental floss, make the effort to perform this step at least once per day.
Allowing around one to two inches of space for your teeth, wind the floss and hold it taut with your fingers. Gently glide the floss between your teeth, curving it into a “C” shape to clean the space between your teeth and gums.
3. Schedule regular dental appointments.
In 2019, more than 22% of adults with dental coverage went the entire year without seeing a dentist.
In your oral care routine, scheduling regular, preventative dental checkups is a must. At these visits, your hygienist and dentist can work together to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. They can provide a thorough cleaning, take a closer look at any issues that are bothering you, and recommend necessary treatments.
Aim to visit your dentist once every six months. In the meantime, you can always schedule emergency dental visits if the need arises. If the price of your care is keeping you from making an appointment, we offer a variety of options to make dental care as affordable as possible.
4. Limit certain foods and drinks.
You could be incredibly diligent about brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist, but the reality is that there are certain foods that can stain or discolor your teeth. These include the following:
- Coffee
- Balsamic vinegar
- Berries
- Red wine
- Fruit juices
- Tomato-based sauces
- Soda
If you can, it’s best to limit your intake of these foods and beverages. You should also moderate your sugar intake, as bacteria in your mouth love to feed on sugars and produce damaging, plaque-inducing acids. Swap the soda for water, opt for sugar-free gum, and look for other creative ways to kick your sugar habit to the curb.
While you’re at it, make 2020 the year you make healthier, smarter choices all around. If you need another reason to quit smoking, consider the negative effects of smoking on your oral health.
We’ve got your back through these changes. If you’ve already noticed some staining, we can provide whitening treatments to help reverse any damage and restore your confidence.
5. Don’t ignore nagging pain.
Have you gotten used to pushing your toothache aside? You shouldn’t have to grin and bear it.
Whether you’re just experiencing a dull, nagging ache or you’re in the throes of a dental emergency, it’s important to take immediate action. Your dental team provides emergency services for a reason, and taking advantage of them could make a major difference in your quality of life.
Not only does ignoring the pain prolong the treatment and recovery process, but it could also create an infection that catalyzes a secondary issue, such as a dental abscess. If you’re experiencing any type of dental discomfort that doesn’t go away or directly affects your well-being, don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible.
A healthy mouth is a happy mouth.
When your mouth is clean and fresh, you can’t help but smile.
The steps to a healthy mouth aren’t overly difficult or time-consuming. If you have a few minutes every day to commit to your teeth and gums, you can reap the benefits for a lifetime.
Need a little help getting back on track and staying there? That’s where we come in.
Until we’re able to meet in person for routine visits again, we are still available to offer support and guidance. Please call us for any dental-related questions or emergencies, and remember we can still schedule routine appointments in advance. We’re here for you and miss your beautiful smiles!
