We’d like you to do us a favor: think about your oral hygiene routine. Do you think you’re doing everything possible to ensure your teeth and gums are clean and healthy, or is there maybe a bit more you could be doing to keep them in good shape?
Now more than ever, it’s important to follow and maintain a good oral hygiene routine to keep yourself healthy — since, after all, your oral health directly affects your overall health. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to achieve healthy teeth and gums.
Use the Right Tools
Your oral health routine is only as good as long as you’re using the products and tools.
Your Toothbrush
First off, you should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food particles and bacteria from your teeth. A medium or hard-bristled toothbrush can be too rough on your gums and may not be as pliable to remove buildup.
Your Toothpaste
Along with your brush, you should be using the right toothpaste. It’s often best to use a fluoride toothpaste to give your teeth some extra minerals. Some like to opt for a whitening toothpaste, which is fine as long as you choose one that protects your enamel. If you have some sensitivity or need to repair your enamel, use a toothpaste that addresses these problems.
The Finishing Touches
After brushing your teeth, you should be flossing to get rid of any leftover food particles or bacteria that your toothbrush may not have caught. You can use regular floss or a Waterpik, which can help if you have braces or other equipment that makes flossing difficult. Lastly, rinse with your favorite mouthwash for fresh breathe and a fully-clean feeling.
Be Diligent About Your Routine
Although it can be easy to forget for the recommended time if you’re running out the door in the morning or skip flossing when you just want to get into bed at night, do your best to avoid this.
Make sure you’re brushing and flossing for two minutes twice a day, every day. By sticking to your routine at least twice a day, you can ensure you’re keeping up with good hygiene practices.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Using any tobacco products — cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or otherwise — is a surefire way to cause oral health products. In the best-case scenario, using tobacco products will leave you with discolored and plaque-covered teeth. At worst, you can develop gum disease or a number of different oral or throat cancers. To keep your mouth safe, avoid tobacco products at all costs.
Limit Alcoholic and Sugary Drinks
Whether you love having a glass of wine at the end of the day, or your children always reach for a sports drink after a game, this is doing your oral health no favors. Sugary drinks can lead to cavities and tooth decay, especially if you aren’t brushing your teeth directly after having them.
If you must have alcohol or other drinks that are high in sugar, limit how often you drink them and try to brush your teeth to get rid of any lingering sweets on your teeth.
Keep Up with Dentist Appointments
You should be visiting your dentist for a cleaning twice a year, sometimes more often if you’re working to resolve cavities or other dental problems. If you neglect to keep up with these appointments, you could develop various oral health issues that could otherwise be resolved if your dentist spotted the issues earlier.
Quality Dentistry Services in Spring Hill
For over 20 years, Dentistry By Design has provided quality dental care to patients in Spring Hill and the surrounding communities in Tennessee. If you are looking for a trusted dentist to address your family’s dental needs, we offer a wide range of dental services in a safe and caring environment.
Contact us today to schedule a future appointment!