When it comes to oral hygiene, we all know it’s important to brush our teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. However, taking care of your teeth and mouth goes beyond just these basic steps.
Here are some other things you can do to keep your smile healthy and bright:
Eat a balanced diet
Eating a healthy diet is not only good for your overall health, but it’s also good for your teeth and gums. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. And limit sugary and acidic foods, which can damage tooth enamel.
Quit smoking
Smoking is terrible for your health, but it’s also a significant risk factor for gum disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health. It affects you in ways you may not realize, such as causing bad breath, tooth stains, and an increased risk for gum disease and oral cancer.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash can help remove food particles and bacteria that brushing and flossing missed. Using a fluoride mouthwash is an excellent idea to help prevent cavities.
Visit your dentist regularly
You should see your dentist at least once yearly for a professional cleaning and checkup. This is important because your dentist can detect problems early and provide treatment to prevent more severe problems from developing.
Visiting a dentist may be daunting for some people, but it’s important to remember that they are there to help you. They are trained professionals who know how to care for your teeth and gums. When you visit the dentist, they will first look at your mouth to see if there are any problems.
Practice good oral hygiene habits
In addition to brushing and flossing daily, you can practice other good oral hygiene habits to keep your mouth healthy. These include using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue, chewing sugar-free gum to promote saliva flow, and avoiding harsh mouthwashes that irritate your gums.
Wear a mouthguard
If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your teeth from injury. Mouthguards can also be helpful for people who grind their teeth at night (bruxism). Talk to your dentist about getting fitted for a custom mouthguard.
Get dental implants
If you have missing teeth, you may be considering dental implants. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and fuse with the bone over time. They provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth and can help improve your appearance and oral health.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect against tooth decay. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth. You can also get fluoride treatments from your dentist.
Get sealants
Dental sealants are thin, clear, or white coatings applied to the back teeth. Sealants protect the teeth from cavities by sealing off the grooves and pits susceptible to decay.
Avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks
Foods and drinks that can stain your teeth include coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and curry. If you do consume these foods and drinks, be sure to brush your teeth afterward. You can also talk to your dentist about getting your teeth professionally cleaned or whitened.
These are just a few things you can do to take care of your teeth and mouth. Following these tips can help keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.