Since your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, taking care of them is of utmost importance. There are also a few excellent oral health tips that will help you with this. Good oral health is also said to help lower the risk of developing gum disease, tooth cavities, and tooth loss.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day can help get a fresh start for your mouth at the beginning of your day and at night to wash away all excess foods eaten throughout the day. Bacteria causing plaque feed off sugar, and with time, it can cause cavities and tooth loss. Statistics have shown 15 million people in the U.S. have crown and bridge replacements for their missing teeth.
2. Eat Fewer Sugary Foods
As mentioned in the above point, sugar is like nutrition for the bacteria that creates plaque which later breaks down the teeth’s enamel. Eating fewer sweet foods can help reduce the risk of cavities. Brushing your teeth after eating sweet foods can help. Did you know that a large sum of about 92% of adults have had cavities at some point in their lives? Fillings are one of the most common dental treatments.
3. Change your Toothbrush Every Three Months
To help maintain proper care of your teeth and ensure that your toothbrush is working, experts recommend changing it every three months. The bristles become worn with time, much like a broom. You will immediately notice the difference between brushing with an old toothbrush and a new one.
4. Choose an Electrical Toothbrush
If you can, investing in an electric toothbrush will do an even better job cleaning your teeth with its circular swooping motion. With an electrical brush, your hand won’t need to do the work, instead, the brush does everything and because it’s a machine, it cleans even more effectively.
5. You May Benefit From a Retainer
Even though around 25% to 50% of kids require orthodontics, adults also use braces. Many adults that get braces later in their lives might be due to financial opportunities that they may not have been able to afford it as a kid. You could benefit by using retainers to help align your teeth. Visit your orthodontist to examine and take x-rays of your mouth, as they will know whether retainers are best or if you might need something more like metal braces.
6. Gently Brush Your Teeth
Many people use aggressive brushing to clean their teeth faster and sometimes with the assumption that it cleans better. Still, aggressive brushing can damage the enamel of the teeth.
7. Choose Soft Bristles
When choosing your toothbrush, choosing soft bristles over hard ones is best. Just like brushing carefully and gently, the soft bristles will help go easier on your teeth’s enamel. If you cannot find soft bristles opt for medium hardness.
8. Floss Your Teeth
Floss your pearlies at least once a day. The toothbrush doesn’t get all the way in between the teeth, and thus it leaves room for plaque to build up. Flossing will get between the teeth and remove excess food. Remember to rinse afterward.
9. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Visiting your dentist every six months can help catch any possible issues. Your dentist can help you keep plaque build-up in check with a polish and scale treatment.
Poor oral care is said to be linked to significant health conditions such as heart disease (coronary artery disease) and raspatory infections like pneumonia. Visit your dentist regularly, maintain good oral hygiene, and enjoy the extension of goodness for the rest of your health and wellness.
