Researchers have suggested that good oral hygiene improves your overall health. However, even when you have great oral health, it is still absolutely crucial to be careful of the dental products you use and the dental daily habits you religiously follow.
Being mindful can prevent you from experiencing tooth decay or gum problems that might even affect your self-confidence if you’re not careful. As serious as these issues may be, you can easily avoid them if you follow a strict routine and listen to the following tips:
- Don’t forget to brush your teeth
Germs and plaque can easily accumulate in your mouth the entire day if you’re not too careful. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least 3 times a day, and for good reasons too.
When you neglect this basic oral hygiene before you go to bed, you could put your teeth and gums at risk of infection. This builds up plaque, cavities, and other invisible germs that might give you bad breath and harm your dental hygiene.
However, using hard bristles and brushing hard can also damage your teeth. You should also change your toothbrush every 3 months.
- See your dentist regularly
Although booking an appointment may seem like a hassle sometimes, regularly visiting your dentist can prevent any future damage to your teeth. They can give their expertise on things you need to improve or tips on how to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Pick a dentist that is within reach, and if possible, available for emergency dental situations. There are many dental clinics in Etobicoke for such services.
- Use mouthwash
According to some studies, certain mouthwashes may improve oral health. Antibacterial mouthwash with chlorhexidine helps control plaque and even gingivitis. A meta-analysis also found that certain essential oil mouthwashes are also effective.
You should talk to your dentist about which mouthwash is best for you. A mouthwash can’t be used in place of brushing and flossing, but it can help improve dental health.
You can also ask your dentist for mouthwashes that help alleviate dental issues and bad breath.
- Don’t engage in smoking
Gum issues, tooth loss, oral surgery-related complications, and the development of mouth cancer are all more likely in people who smoke. They have a lower rate of wound healing and a higher risk of infection than non-smokers.
The person’s response to gum treatment is improved, their risk of developing gum disease and mouth cancer is decreased, and mouth cancer is improved by quitting smoking.
People who still can’t stop smoking should go to their Sarnia dentists regularly to check for signs of mouth cancer and maintain the health of their teeth and gums.
Vaping, though technically different from smoking, is not exempted from this tip. Vapers should also go to the dentist regularly for check-ups. Make sure to tell your dentist if you vape.
- Use the right toothpaste
When picking your toothpaste, don’t just settle on the cheaper, or even trending, ones without studying its ingredients and formula. No matter what brand of toothpaste, you should always choose the type that contains fluoride.
Fluoride can be an effective defence agent against tooth decay and strengthen enamel. It also fights against bacteria since fluoride is antimicrobial.
If you have dentures, you should ask advice from your dentist in London denture clinics for suitable toothpaste for your dental condition. Some chemicals might affect the components of your dentures so it’s better to consult.
- Drink water
While drinking water does come with many physical health benefits, did you know that this habit can also improve your dental health as well? Drinking water after every meal washes out any food particles stuck in your teeth, along with the acidic substances from some beverages.
If you rarely drink water, this could make you dehydrated. Dry gums will damage your teeth as they have the chance to swell and collect bacteria. By staying hydrated with water, you’re keeping your gums in a healthy, clean, and comfortable state.
- Floss daily
Never underestimate the power of flossing daily. Plaque and food residues tend to gather at tight spots between your teeth; making it harder to eliminate with just tooth brushing.
Flossing also prevents bad mouth odour since it eliminates any food debris that might accumulate in your mouth. Dental experts advise that you should be gentle when flossing to your gum line so as not to risk your gums from bleeding due to forced friction and pressure.
Your dental hygiene is just as important as your physical hygiene. If you made sure to take care of your body, don’t forget to give the same amount of care to your teeth and gums as well. By practicing proper dental habits and listening to the advice of your dentists, you can smile confidently with pearly white teeth.
