Here are some oral health tips, that can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.
1. Brush your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes.
For good oral hygiene, you will want to brush your teeth at least two times a day, ideally in the morning and before bed, for two to four minutes each time. Start with your brush at a 45-degree angle in a sweeping motion. Brush your upper teeth using a sweeping downward motion, and your lower teeth using a sweeping upward motion. You should only brush back and forth on chewing surfaces.
2. Floss every night.
Flossing your teeth each night before brushing them doesn't just help remove debris, but also lowers your risk of developing tooth decay, and helps your gums stay healthy. Use a piece of floss that's up to 18 inches long so you can use a fresh area of floss for every few teeth. Remember that the floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that makes a backward or forwards 'C' shape, wrapping the floss around every tooth.
3. Rinse with mouthwash daily.
You can help kill germs that build up in your mouth by adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine. Since mouthwash can reach places where your toothbrush and floss can't, it's able to help get rid of debris from your mouth that could irritate the gum line and cause gum disease.
4. Brush or scrape your tongue every day.
After brushing your teeth, bacteria can still remain on the tongue. Brushing or scraping your tongue as part of your daily routine can help to get rid of this bacteria, and also helps to freshen your breath. Be sure to use one toothbrush for brushing, and a different toothbrush for scraping your tongue.
5. Attend regular dental visits.
See your dentist, at least two times a year for a dental examination and cleaning. Dentists and hygienists are equipped with the tools and techniques they need to clean your teeth far more thoroughly than you are able to at home. Routine exams also provide your dentist with the opportunity to find any arising problems sooner and provide you with treatment options to keep the issues from becoming worse.
6. Don’t delay dental treatments.
Many people have fears that prevent them from getting dental treatments, while others avoid treatments because they think that it will be too costly. The truth is, preventive check-ups and treatments do not cost much compared to extensive care of a dental crown or implant. Avoiding necessary treatments may impact your dental hygiene in a negative way and end up costing you more in the long run.
7. Minimize sugar and make healthy food choices.
The food you eat has an effect on your whole body, including your teeth. So be sure to eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and minimize your consumption of sugar which leads to cavities. Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. You may take supplements, but it is better to drink milk, fortified orange juice, and to eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. Vitamin B complex is also essential for the protection of gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding.
8. Limit your intake of alcohol, coffee, and pop.
Drinks that include additives like food dye and corn syrup can make white teeth look discoloured and dull. We recommend opting for beverages such as milk, which can help strengthen your teeth and build stronger enamel, and water that can help hydrate your body.
9. Wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
If you play sports or other contact activities, it is recommended to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth and gums from impact or injury. Most dental offices offer custom-made mouth guards for patients to comfortably fit their smiles and keep their teeth safe from damage.
10. Avoid habits that are harmful to your teeth.
Stay away from tobacco and other substances that can harm your teeth, and try to break habits like nail-biting or opening bottle caps with your teeth. If you have the habit of sucking your thumb, lip-biting, tongue-thrusting, or clenching your teeth, talk to your dentist to get treatment options.