We tend to be lazy about maintaining good dental health. Yes… You've probably heard it a million times now: "taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for maintaining good oral health." But there is a good reason why this is repeated too often. And the reason is quite simple – because it's true. Poor dental hygiene can lead to several oral health problems, like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. However, you can prolong your dental health with the right practices and avoid many of these issues. That is why we made this easy-to-digest article about the 7 best ways to prolong your dental health. Now, let's get right into it.
1. Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth is the most fundamental aspect of dental hygiene. You should brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Brushing helps remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease if left unaddressed. When brushing, make sure you use gentle circular motions, and don't forget to brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. Also, be sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles become frayed.
But please, avoid going to bed without brushing your teeth. This is vital in order to remove the plaque that has stacked up throughout the day. If you do not remove it, the plaque will begin to harden through the night, causing gingivitis to manifest.
2. Flossing Regularly
Flossing is equally important as brushing, yet many people skip this step. It isn't just about getting little pieces of food that have been stuck in between your teeth. Flossing also helps remove plaque from the spaces between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. It can also result in lowered inflammation in the gums. You should floss at least once per day, ideally before brushing, to get the full benefits of flossing.
Use about 18 inches of floss, and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Hold the remaining floss between your thumbs and forefingers and gently glide it between your teeth.
3. Going for Regular Dental Check-Ups
No matter how attentive you are about your oral health, slip-ups happen almost always. This means that going for a check-up with your dentist will always be beneficial. These check-ups can help detect oral health issues before they become serious. Therefore, visiting your dentist at least twice a year is essential, even if you don't have any visible dental problems.
During these check-ups, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, checking for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They will also clean your teeth, removing any plaque or tartar buildup. We suggest checking out Terrigal Dental because once you finish an appointment with them, it's like you started a new game for your oral health.
4. Avoiding Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugary and acidic foods can damage your teeth and gums, leading to cavities and tooth decay. After consumption, these substances convert into acid, leading to cavity issues. Therefore, limiting your intake of these types of foods is crucial. This also includes harmful drinks such as coffee and even tea, known for destroying tooth enamel. There is also smoking & vaping, but you should be aware of the dangers that these things bring to your oral health.
Instead, focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial, as it helps flush out bacteria and food particles from your mouth.
This doesn't mean that you should give up these things altogether (except smoking, you should probably give up smoking). Instead, opt for a more balanced diet that will not deprive you of these things but also allow you to be mindful of your oral health.
5. Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Using mouthwash after brushing and flossing can give your mouth an extra boost of freshness and protection.
When using mouthwash, swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds, making sure it reaches all areas of your mouth. However, mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing but rather as a supplement to these practices.
Don't neglect the tongue. Plaque is also known to appear on your tongue, causing your mouth to emit a foul odor and possibly other, worse, complications to manifest. This is not the best way of spending the day with your loved one.
6. Using a Fluoride Toothpaste
A lot of people tend to pick out a toothpaste randomly, or even worse, the cheapest one. This is a terrible habit that you simply cannot afford to maintain. The components of toothpaste differ significantly from one another. The whitening power and the flavor of toothpaste aren't vital to its effectiveness. Fluoride toothpaste is known for being an effective defense against tooth decay. There is a reason why it's even added to the water supply in some countries.
7. Wearing a Mouthguard
This might seem like a weird suggestion at first, but keep reading.
If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from damage. Mouthguards are protective devices worn over your teeth, helping absorb the impact of any blows or grinding. If you've noticed your teeth deteriorating overnight while maintaining good oral hygiene, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist immediately.
Various types of mouthguards are available, including custom-made, boil-and-bite, and stock mouthguards. Speak to your dentist to determine the best type of mouthguard for your needs.
That would be all for today. Hopefully, after reading this article, you have realized the countless ways that you could be actively improving your oral health. Start implementing some of these changes in your daily life and see the difference.
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