7 Daily Oral Care Tips for a Healthy Smile

7 Daily Oral Care Tips for a Healthy Smile

Oct 01, 2020

Keeping your smile healthy is a lifelong commitment. Being careless about your oral health can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and eventually, tooth loss.

Showing your teeth some love every day will ensure that your pearly whites last a long time. However, oral health goes a little deeper than keeping cavities at bay and managing gum disease. Research has shown that there is a correlation between your oral health and overall health.

Without proper oral care, these dental issues can escalate and cause severe infection, malnutrition, speech issues, and gum disease, which have been linked with heart disease and diabetes. With proper oral care, both at home and in our dentist’s office, you can be sure that these issues will be kept at bay.

Here are some tips to help you steer clear of dental issues.

  1. Brush Regularly

It is common knowledge that people are supposed to brush twice a day. This is where oral health begins. Brushing is one of the essential practices that remove bacteria and plaque. Keep in mind that applying the correct brushing technique is important.

For brushing to be effective, let us go back to the basics:

  • Brush at least twice each day, and do not rush. It will take at least two minutes for you to do a thorough job. Wait for about 30 minutes after eating before you brush your teeth, especially after consuming something acidic.
  • Don’t forget to clean your tongue. The tongue is known to harbor bacteria that can lead to plaque and bad breath. Practice proper tongue cleaning by using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
  • Use the right equipment. This involves using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also venture into battery-operated or electric toothbrushes, which reduce more plaque compared to manual brushing.
  • Employ the proper technique. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line. Gently brush with small circular motions.
  • Remember to keep your equipment clean. Rinse your toothbrush with running water after brushing, then store it in an upright position so that it dries.

Always remember to replace your toothbrush every three months.

  1. Floss Once a Day

Flossing is another healthy habit that you should adopt. It helps remove bacteria and plaque from between your teeth. It also helps prevent bad breath by removing the debris that is trapped between the teeth.

  1. Consider Using a Mouthwash

Research has shown that certain mouthwashes contain antibacterial agents that help fight bacteria, thus controlling plaque and gingivitis. Our dentist can recommend a good mouthwash.

Use a mouthwash as the second line of defense after brushing and flossing. Do not substitute brushing and flossing with a mouthwash.

  1. Cut Back on Sugary Foods and Starches

Sugar has been linked to many health conditions. Intrinsically, sugar is not bad, but the chain of events that happen after consuming sugar is what you should be aware of. In a nutshell, sugar can cause cavities. Starchy foods such as pasta, chips, bread, and crackers can also cause cavities.

Switch to fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, as well as dairy products that have no added sugar.

  1. Drink Plenty of Water

Many people have a habit of consuming a sugary drink with their meals. This is not only bad for your teeth but overall health. Replace the sugary drinks with water. Drinking water is not only essential for our existence but also helps keep the mouth hydrated.

  1. Stop Smoking

Smoking harms your body in so many ways. It messes with your immune system, causes wounds to take longer to heal, and can cause oral and lung cancer. In addition, smoking will cause the yellowing of your teeth.

  1. Visit Our Dentist Regularly

By visiting our dentist for routine deep teeth cleaning in Claremont, NH, we can remove hardened tartar and plaque. Our dentist can also check for signs of gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, and other health issues.

Consult with our dentist at Claremont Dental Group about how frequently you should come in for a checkup. The answer is not standard since this depends on your health history.

Practicing the tips discussed above from childhood to adulthood can ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.

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