Having a healthy smile not only enhances your appearance but also contributes to your overall well-being. Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, and a beautiful smile can boost your confidence and improve your overall mood.
To experience the advantages of a stunning smile, it’s important to prioritize dental care. Maintaining a healthy smile requires consistent effort. This involves following a proper oral hygiene routine to prevent dental issues, using appropriate oral care products, being conscious of your daily habits, and regularly visiting the dentist for professional exams and cleanings.
Best Practices to Take Care of Your Teeth
1. Never go to bed without brushing your teeth
No matter how tired you may be, you cannot go to bed without brushing your teeth. You must brush your teeth every night before you sleep to eliminate the bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria will accumulate throughout the day and must be removed from the surfaces of your teeth.
Brushing before bed will eliminate germs and plaque and help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
2. Brush your teeth properly
There is a proper way to do this and a technique for this process. Doing a poor job of brushing is the equivalent of not brushing at all, which is why you need to take your time and brush gently and circularly to remove plaque successfully. Failure to remove plaque may result in calculus buildup and gingivitis. When plaque hardens, a toothbrush will not be able to remove it; only a dentist can eliminate this from the surfaces of your teeth.
3. Make sure you care for your tongue
Did you know plaque can also build up on your tongue? This can lead to bad mouth odour and oral health problems, but gently brushing your tongue will prevent this. Every time you brush your teeth, gently brush your tongue, too!
4. Use fluoride toothpaste
There are many kinds of toothpaste, and you must choose the right one for your teeth. Certain elements to look for, and you must focus on more than just whitening power and flavours. Make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride because it is a leading defence against tooth decay. It fights germs that can lead to decay while providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
5. Do not forget to floss
Flossing is equally as important as brushing your teeth. Food particles will become stuck between your teeth, and a toothbrush cannot always remove these particles, which is why flossing is a must. In addition to getting rid of little pieces of food stuck between your teeth, flossing will stimulate your gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.
6. Do not stop flossing, even if you find the process challenging
Flossing can be challenging, especially for kids and older adults, but it is a must that you do not give up. If you are having difficulty, look for special tools to make this process more comfortable. Floss sticks, ready-to-use dental flossers and other products can make flossing much easier.
7. Use mouthwash
Mouthwash is important because it can help in several ways. It can reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas in and around your gums and re-mineralize your teeth. Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine and can be a useful tool to get your mouth clean and fresh and help bring your routine into balance.
Talk to your dentist about using mouthwash. They can provide professional recommendations. Some brands are great for children, and some are for sensitive teeth. Depending on the situation, prescription mouthwash is also available.
8. Drink lots of water
Water is the healthiest beverage for overall health, including oral health. Drinking water after every meal is highly recommended to help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and drinks between brushes.
9. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables
Eating fresh and crunchy produce will provide you with more fibre, but it is also the best choice for your teeth because it can help clean plaque and freshen your breath. Apples, celery, and carrots are delicious and great for your teeth, and many fruits and vegetables contain lots of antioxidant vitamins which can help protect your gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection.
10. Limit sugary and acidic foods
Sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can erode your teeth’ enamel and result in cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel, so you must be mindful of these foods and drinks. You don’t have to cut these foods entirely from your diet, but you must be mindful.
11. Schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist
It is highly recommended that you schedule dental appointments at least twice a year. Even if you follow a proper oral hygiene routine and brush and floss every day, you must continue to attend regular dental appointments. Dentists can detect concerning signs and spot problems while they are still minor. They can provide the necessary treatment to prevent invasive and costly dental procedures.
Professional dental cleanings are a must because special tools are used to remove stubborn plaque.
Are you looking for a friendly and reputable dentist near you? Queen Street Dentistry will help you take care of your teeth! Our family dentistry serves patients of all ages in St. Marys, and our dentist will take the time to listen to your dental goals and concerns. We will provide you with the dental care you need, and you can contact our clinic at any time to schedule your next appointment!