Our oral hygiene is one of the first habits that we develop as a kid. However, there’s more to brushing and flossing in taking care of our teeth and gums. Oral health covers not only the way we clean our teeth but also our diet.
Prevention is more than just discipline and habit, It is also about learning the value of your health by keeping yourself away from tooth loss and oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease, or gum disease. Plus, you are also saving from dental costs and keeping health risks at bay by maintaining good oral health.
12 Oral hygiene tips for a healthier smile
If good oral hygiene is part of your self-care goals this year, here are some ways you can level up your routine:
- Practice good oral hygiene by starting with the 2:2 rule of brushing. It means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes and using dental floss after. Also, make sure to brush your teeth near the gum line to remove dental plaque buildup.
- Disease-causing bacteria thrive in the presence of sugars from the food that we eat. Always drink or rinse your mouth with water to get rid of food debris left in your mouth.
- For denture wearers, always brush your dentures after meals to clear out food debris stuck between your gums and dentures.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water for stronger teeth. Fluoride helps replenish the minerals lost due to plaque buildup and acids.
- Keep a water bottle or a tumbler handy to keep your mouth moist at all times and avoid dryness. A dry mouth makes it easier for disease-causing bacteria to attack your teeth and gums due to lack of saliva. Our saliva has antimicrobial properties that protect our teeth and gums from foreign microbes.
- If you want to make your teeth more decay-resistant you may also use over-the-counter topical fluoride gels. However, if you’re more prone to dental caries and tooth infections, you may opt for the prescription-strength fluoride gel offered in dental practices.
- You may also add salt rinse into your routine to get rid of disease-causing bacteria. Salt has an antibacterial property that can help fight the remaining bacteria in your mouth after brushing. It can help you fight bad breath, sore throat, and plaque buildup.
- Fruits high in citric acid can be harmful to your teeth. Citric acid can rapidly wear down your tooth enamel, which is the protective layer of the tooth. Worn down enamel is associated with tooth sensitivity and tooth erosion. Limit your intake or rinse your mouth immediately after consuming acidic foods such as:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruits
- Tangerines
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Pomegranates
- Blueberries
- Pineapples
- Fruit juices
- Sodas
- Coffee
- Tomatoes
- Jams
- Vinegar
- Fermented foods like Sauerkraut
- Cavity-causing bacteria feeds off from sugar. So, refrain from eating foods and beverages with high sugar content. As a holistic approach, eating a balanced diet and limiting your sugar intake is beneficial not only to your teeth and gums but also to your overall health.
- Believe it or not, some alcoholic drinks are also high in sugar content. Also, even if alcoholic beverages have high antibacterial properties, it can kill the good bacteria that fights off the bad ones. Try to limit your alcohol intake or brush your teeth after drinking any alcoholic beverage.
- Visit your dentist for routine cleanings and annual oral exams to keep your teeth and gums in check.
- Consult your dentist as soon as you notice unusual pain, bleeding, or swelling in your gums. Sometimes, these symptoms are subtle signs of the early onset of gum disease.
Build a better oral hygiene routine with Soft Touch Dental
Your habits today will determine your future, especially with oral health. Let our professional dental team help you take care of your smile. Soft Touch Dental provides comprehensive preventive dental services in Florissant, MO. Schedule an appointment now and achieve your self-care goals by starting with your oral health.