Maintaining good oral hygiene is imperative for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Brushing twice daily and scheduling regular checkups are the basics for clean teeth, but there’s more to good dental health than brushing and going to the dentist.
Dental issues can lead to more than just tooth pain. Infections in your gums can move to your bloodstream and cause some real problems. Take a moment to educate yourself a bit, and learn what it takes to truly have a healthy smile.
Make regular visits to the dentist
It is recommended that you see a dentist twice per year. Every six months, make an appointment with your local dentist to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Your dentist will x-ray, check for cavities, and check for signs of gum disease during your visit.
Brush regularly and use fluoride
You probably already know that you should brush your teeth twice a day. It is also important to understand the most effective method of brushing.
Don’t go crazy, brushing your teeth super rough. Instead, brush in small circular motions, and work your way from front to back. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Make a note to yourself to use mouthwash and toothpaste that contains fluoride. The absence of fluoride in your dental regimen can lead to tooth decay.
Floss once every day
You should floss regularly to remove the leftovers in between your teeth. Your toothbrush doesn’t get 100 percent of debris in your teeth, even if you’re a champion brusher.
It’s better to floss before you brush to knock all the excess food out from in between your teeth. Your mouth will feel cleaner, and your teeth will last longer if you add flossing to your daily dental routine.
Avoid smoking cigarettes
Smoking is an all-around terrible habit for your mouth, among other things. Staining your teeth isn’t your only worry if you’re a smoker, as smoking makes it difficult for the tissues in your mouth to heal as they usually would.
Smoking cigarettes lowers the ability of your immune system to fight off the damage caused by smoking. A lowered immune ability will leave you open for a slew of other unfavorable situations.
Limit sugary foods and starches
Eating a diet high in sugary foods and starches is bad for your health and bad for your teeth. Some of the common facilitators of tooth decay include candy, sweet desserts, and processed foods like chips, pastas, etc.
Fruits and veggies which are high in fiber come highly recommended by the ADA for boosted dental well-being. Dairy products are also okay for your teeth, as long as they aren’t packed with added sugars.
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