Good oral health is a must, and not just for your teeth’s sake. The state of your oral health is a strong indicator of your overall health. Making a habit of brushing and flossing goes a long way to keeping your body as a whole healthy, in addition to fighting off cavities and tooth decay.
While you’ve likely been told to brush and floss every day, there are other things you can do to give your teeth and gums the TLC they deserve. Keep these daily habits in mind to strengthen your oral health and do a little bit more to keep yourself healthy as a whole.
1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Brushing twice a day is a common piece of oral hygiene-related wisdom you may have heard before, but it bears repeating. Brushing twice is the optimal number needed to remove plaque and germs from your teeth. However, for best results, it also pays to go the extra mile when brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the enamel, for example. As you brush, take care to brush at a 45° angle to sweep away all the plaque and bacteria at the gum line.
2. Floss at least once a day
Brushing is effective, but you’ll need other tools to reach the hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. That’s where floss comes in. Dental floss can fit in the space between your teeth and clean any particles that might have escaped your toothbrush. Using dental floss can be difficult at first, but with a little practice, you’ll get better with time. For patients with dexterity issues, there are alternatives to regular flossing to help you clean your teeth. Tools like water flossers and floss holders allow you to reach those hard-to-reach spots and get around any issues with dexterity.
3. Remember to brush your tongue
Other than your teeth and gums, it also pays to pay attention to your tongue. Plaque and germs can also build on the tongue, necessitating some extra care to cleanse your mouth fully. Get in the habit of cleaning your tongue with your toothbrush at the end of every brushing session. Alternatively, you can also find purpose-build tongue scrapers in the oral health section of your pharmacy. Not only are you giving your mouth a better clean than normal, scraping your tongue is also a great way to combat bad breath.
4. Use an antibacterial mouthwash every day
Mouthwash is great for finishing your toothbrushing, and not just for the reasons you think. Mouthwash does eliminate germs and help freshen the breath, but it also washes away any lingering food debris and reduces plaque buildup, particularly in hard-to-reach areas you might have difficulty reaching even with dental floss. Mouthwash also comes with additional benefits like reducing acidity in the mouth and remineralizing the teeth. Pay particular attention to mouthwashes and other products officially endorsed by the Canadian Dental Association to ensure you’re using the most optimal products for your teeth and gums.
5. Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
Advice to avoid smoking usually pertains to your respiratory health, but smoking also has effects on your oral health. Smoking drastically increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, so if you’re looking to improve your oral health, staying clear of smoking is a step in the right direction. Smoking also contributes to other oral health complications, like teeth stains and bad breath. In the long- and short-term, avoiding smoking is one of the most effective steps you can take to stay healthy.
6. Drink plenty of water
Drinking water is a simple but effective method of improving your oral health. Water helps remove any sticky or acidic food that clings to your teeth, cutting down the amount of plaque that builds on the teeth. A simple drink of water goes a long way toward improving your oral health. Water also keeps your mouth moist, minimizing the risk of bad breath. Finally, water also doesn’t stain the teeth, which can matter if you’re intent on keeping your teeth pearly-white.
7. Eat healthy
There’s more to eating healthy than avoiding sugary and acidic foods (but avoiding those does help too). Certain tooth-friendly foods like fruits, raw vegetables, and dairy products are great for your oral health for a variety of reasons. The act of chewing stimulates the jaw, strengthening bones and muscles and keeping your mouth healthy. These foods also clean your teeth, stimulate saliva production, and add some nutrients and fibre to your diet. If you ever needed more reasons to eat healthy, keep in mind those fruits and vegetables are good for your oral health too.
8. Visit the dentist regularly
Finally, the last step you need to keep your teeth happy and healthy is seeing your family dentist regularly. Common knowledge says you ought to visit twice a year, even when you’re maintaining good dental habits every day. Visits to the dentist are golden opportunities to get a checkup and ensure your oral health stays good. In case of any issues, the dentist is there to help you catch them early before they have time to do some harm. While you’re at it, those dental visits are also a chance to get some cleaning done, particularly for the hard-to-reach and hard-to-remove deposits.
Oral health is good for more than just your teeth, it’s good for you too. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and happy is a good way to keep yourself in good health. Incorporate these routines to maintain your oral health and enjoy better health in general.
Need that dental checkup right now? Then visit Dr. Mark Rhody Dentistry for all your dental needs. Give us a call at (416) 231-4281 to make an appointment.