1. Brushing
Your teeth need to be brushed at least twice a day. It’s usually part of your morning routine and should be a part of your bedtime routine as well. It’s really best to brush your teeth after eating anything since foods, especially sugary foods, will start to attack the enamel on your teeth almost immediately after eating. If it’s not possible to brush your teeth after every meal, you can rinse or chew gum to help get the tiny food particles out from between your teeth. The longer you wait to brush, the more time plaque has to start forming on your teeth.
It’s also a good idea to use a softer toothbrush. A hard bristled toothbrush can actually harm the enamel on your teeth making them weaker and more susceptible to decay and cavities. The harder bristles can even cause tiny abrasions on the gums leading to infections.
2. Flossing
It’s one of the first things your dentist will ask you. And, most people will lie and say that they floss every day because they know that they’re supposed to. Flossing daily is a simple habit to form if you make it a priority.
Flossing your teeth every night before going to bed will help to get any leftover food particles out from between your teeth and away from your gums. Old food residue will not only lead to tooth decay, but it can also lead to gum disease.
3. Dentist Visits
At least twice a year, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. It should be as much of a priority for you as your annual checkup with your doctor. Not only is the cleaning beneficial to the health of your teeth and gums, but the checkup will alert you to any dental issues in the beginning phase so you can get them taken care of before they become painful.
Your dentist and staff will x-ray your teeth, thoroughly clean and examine every tooth, and advise you of any concerns. If you maintain your bi-annual schedule, these visits are usually nothing more than a good cleaning and a pat on your back from your dentist for taking good care of your teeth. If you don’t see your dentist regularly, the visits may take a little more time to get your teeth clean and its possible that there could be issues with your teeth or gums that have been neglected.
4. Avoid things that are harmful to your teeth and gums.
Some things that we put into our mouths are bad for our dental health and brushing and flossing aren’t effective at combating them. Here a few things to consider that you may be doing that are harmful to your teeth and gums.
Diet: You already know that sugary foods are bad for your teeth. Bread is another food that will break down to starch and get stuck between your teeth eating away at the enamel causing cavities.
Alcohol: Consuming alcohol isn’t only bad for your overall health, it will also reduce the amount of saliva you are producing. Your saliva is part of a natural balance that maintains your dental health. Prolonged drinking of alcohol can cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Smoking: The tar and nicotine from cigarette and cigar smoking will not only stain your teeth, but it will also increase your chance of getting gum disease.
Soda: The acid in carbonated soft drinks will make plaque grow quicker attacking the enamel of your teeth. And, it reduces the amount of saliva you are producing as alcohol does. Soda will also leave stains your teeth.
