In order to keep your body fit and healthy, a certain amount of effort must be given to its maintenance, and the mouth is no exception. Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, so it makes sense to give it the care and attention that it requires. Taking proper care of your teeth and gums could have a significant positive impact on your life as a whole.
Let’s take a look at 5 effective habits that you can implement in order to improve the condition of your dental health.
1. Make sure you have the right tools on hand.
With all the brands of dental care tools that are available on the market today, how does one know which one to choose? The answer is pretty simple: go with the trusted brands that are known for their quality products. Make sure you invest in all the necessary tools that are needed for optimum dental health. Basic tools that you should have stored in your bathroom cabinet include a quality toothbrush that fits your requirements, toothpaste, dental floss and some mouthwash.
2. Have regular check-ups with your dentist.
Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings will ensure that your teeth and gums are in a healthy condition. When choosing a dentist to visit, ensure that he/she is fully qualified and comes highly recommended by his/her previous or current patients. The level of hygiene that is practiced should also be a deciding factor in who you choose to visit as all dentists must abide by the legislations that are in place regarding clinical waste disposal etc.
3. Don’t just brush – floss!
As flossing is effective in the removal of food particles and the buildup of soft plaque from teeth it should be a definite part of your oral hygiene routine. If this debris is not effectively removed from the surface of your teeth, bacteria can feed off of it at night, which when left untreated, could lead to a very bad case of gum disease.
4. Use good form when brushing.
According to dental experts, the best way to clean your teeth is to brush back and forth lightly using short strokes. Start with the outer tooth surfaces first and continue with the inner tooth exteriors followed by the chewing surfaces. To clean the backs of your front teeth successfully, use the very tip of the brush exercising gentle strokes in an upward and downwards motion.
5. Cut out sugary foods.
Sugary foods can have a seriously damaging impact on your teeth. Cutting them out and replacing them with a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables will ensure that your teeth are not harmed by their impact. Additionally, it’s a good idea to consume foods and drinks like milk, cheese and yoghurt, as these are all calcium rich and nutritious. Calcium is essential for the building of strong bones and teeth and should be present in your diet in some way or other.
However obvious the above practices may seem, the cutting out of sugary foods, regular flossing and brushing and routine visits to your dentist will ensure that you have an attractive smile and healthy oral hygiene to go along with it.
– Submitted by Sandra