By following these oral health tips, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.
1. Brush twice a day, for at least minutes.
For excellent oral hygiene, you should brush your teeth at least two times each day. This is ideally done once in the morning and once before bed for between 2 and 4 minutes. Begin with your brush at a 45-degree angle in a sweeping motion, upwards from your lower teeth and downwards for your upper teeth. You should only brush back and forth on chewing surfaces.
2. Floss every night.
Flossing your teeth every night before you brush them not only helps remove debris but also minimizes the risk of tooth decay. It helps keep your gums healthy too. Use a piece of floss up to 18 inches long so you can use a fresh area of floss for every few teeth. Keep in mind the floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward 'C' shape, wrapping the floss around each tooth.
3. Rinse with mouthwash daily.
Adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine may help to kill germs that may build up in your mouth. Since mouthwash can go where floss and toothbrushes can't, this treatment can help to eliminate debris from your mouth that might irritate your gums and cause gum disease.
4. Brush or scrape your tongue daily.
After brushing your teeth, bacteria can still remain on the tongue. Brushing or scraping your tongue as part of your daily routine can help to get rid of this bacteria, and also helps to freshen your breath. Be sure to use one toothbrush for brushing, and a different toothbrush for scraping your tongue.
5. Visit the dentist regularly.
Visit your dentist at least twice each year for a dental examination and cleaning. Dentists and hygienists have tools and techniques to clean your teeth far more thoroughly than you can at home. routine exams also means that your dentist can find any issues that are developing quicker and offer treatment options to prevent them from growing worse.
6. Don’t delay dental treatments.
Many people have fears that prevent them from getting dental treatments, while others avoid treatments because they think that it will be too costly. The truth is, preventive check-ups and treatments do not cost much compared to extensive care of a dental crown or implant. Avoiding necessary treatments may impact your dental hygiene in a negative way and end up costing you more in the long run.
7. Make healthy food choices and minimize sugar.
The foods you eat have an effect on your whole body, and this includes your teeth. So, be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, minimize your consumption of sugar and prioritize Calcium and Vitamin D in your diet to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
You may take supplements, but it is better to drink milk, fortified orange juice, and to eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. Vitamin B complex is also essential for the protection of gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding.
8. Limit pop, coffee, and alcohol.
Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make white teeth appear dull and discoloured. It is best to choose beverages such as milk, which helps to strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, and water which hydrates your body.
9. Wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
If you play sports or other contact activities, dentists recommend that you wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth and gums from impact or injury. Most dental offices offer custom-made mouth guards for patients to comfortably fit their smiles and keep their teeth safe from damage.
10. Avoid habits that are harmful to your teeth.
Don't use tobacco or other substances that may cause poor oral health. Likewise, you should try to break bad habits like biting your nails or opening bottle caps with your teeth, since this may have negative impacts on your oral health. If you have a lip-biting, tongue thrusting, teeth clenching or thumb-sucking habit, consult your dentist about your options.