Are you good at taking care of your pearly whites? You only get one set of adult teeth, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. It’s not as simple as brushing for a few seconds every day.
Maintaining healthy teeth isn’t hard, but if you don’t know the proper healthy habits, you can end up with serious issues in the future. We’re here to help you out!
Keep reading for our top dental hygiene tips that will keep your smile shiny and healthy.
Brush Twice Per Day (The Right Way)
Every adult knows that you’re supposed to brush your teeth twice per day, but that doesn’t mean that everyone complies. Brushing your teeth can feel like a bother if you’re late for work or too tired to do anything aside from crawl into bed.
Brushing your teeth in the morning and at night is crucial when it comes to avoiding harmful bacteria growth and cavities. If you have braces or clear aligners at the moment, you may even need to brush after every meal or snack.
Even if you brush often enough, do you brush the right way?
You should brush for about two minutes per session. Lightly brush all surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue, and don’t be afraid to go over each surface more than once.
If you struggle to brush for that long, consider listening to a favorite song or downloading an app for brushing. They may seem childish, but they’re helpful for anyone with a poor attention span.
Make sure that you replace your toothbrush often. An overused toothbrush can harbor bacteria and it won’t be as effective even if you use the right brushing technique.
Never Skip Flossing
Okay, so you always brush your teeth, isn’t that good enough?
Did you know that flossing is as important as brushing when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth? It’s one of the dental health habits that many people skip because they don’t “see” things between their teeth.
You should floss at least once per day. When you floss, you dislodge any debris between your teeth and you reach plaque that your toothbrush isn’t able to brush away.
If you find that your flossing is painful, or that you bleed while flossing, it might be an early sign of gum disease. This doesn’t mean that you should stop flossing; it’s a sign that you should floss more. Visit your dentist if flossing is uncomfortable.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride has a bad reputation in some fringe areas of the internet, but in reality, it’s great for protecting and strengthening your teeth. Children who have fluoride in their water often experience better dental health in the future.
If you don’t have fluoride in your local water supply, buy toothpaste with high fluoride content. If you aren’t satisfied with the toothpaste options at your local pharmacy, talk to your dentist about a prescription toothpaste.
Watch Your Diet
Did you know that your diet has an effect on your dental health? While your diet is crucial for all aspects of having a healthy body and mind, it has a significant impact on your teeth. After all, your teeth come in contact with your food first!
Try to limit sticky and sugary snacks. When you choose to eat them, do so at the end of the day or early in the morning before you’re going to brush your teeth.
Eat a lot of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables (but try to limit acidic foods, like citrus fruits). These will keep your teeth and jaws strong. Sugarless gum is also great for this (if you don’t have braces).
Eat calcium-rich foods to protect your teeth and replace minerals.
You want to make sure that your mouth always has adequate saliva. This means that you need to stay hydrated, so drink more water. Avoid excess diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, and if you must drink them, balance them with water.
Note Any Changes
Even if you maintain a good oral care routine, you may still experience changes to your teeth. Not all of them will be a cause for concern, but it’s helpful to take note of them so you’re ready to talk to your dentist at your next appointment.
Changes can include sensitivity, discomfort, a change in color, looseness, or even small cracks and chips. If any of these things are serious, make sure to make an appointment sooner rather than later.
It’s best to catch any problems early. By being attentive, you’ll set yourself up for better oral health.
Don’t Skip Routine Visits to Your Dentist
No good dental hygiene routine is complete without routine visits to the dentist. Even if you take perfect care of your pearly whites, it’s always a good idea to visit your dentist twice per year.
You can get routine professional cleanings and check-ups to make sure that everything is in good condition. The dentist may notice things that you wouldn’t have. They can offer advice, do preventative care, or schedule restorative care if necessary.
Even if it’s been a long time since you’ve been to the dentist, now is the time to make an appointment. Don’t be scared!
Follow These Dental Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Smile
Use these dental hygiene tips to keep your teeth healthy and strong. If you take care of your teeth now, they’ll stay in good condition for the foreseeable future. You deserve a shiny and healthy smile!
Are you ready to make an appointment with your local dentist in Parker, CO? At Ardas Family Dental, we’re here to make you smile! Contact us to make your appointment today!