Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your teeth and gums. It involves brushing your teeth two times a day and having frequent dental checkups and more such approaches. Especially when achieving good dental health takes a lifetime of care, you have to be mindful every day and use suitable oral care products.
But first, let’s get started on learning about some of the best ways to improve your smile and your oral health:
How should you take care of your teeth?
Without proper treatment, gum issues or tooth decay might lead to pain, a lack of confidence, and sometimes even tooth loss. Such issues could even lead to malnutrition, speech problems, and other challenges in one’s life.
Thus, with the help of proper dental care both at home and by visiting an orthodontist near you regularly, you can prevent these concerns. Below are a few of the best practices to follow for better health:
· Brush your teeth twice a day
Everyone knows it but still hardly anyone follows to brush their teeth two times a day.
Keep your teeth clean and healthy with regular brushing twice a day. Brushing twice a day will help keep plaque at bay. Plus, by brushing at night after eating, you are not letting your food sit on your teeth and in between the teeth. Thus, it helps prevent bacterial growth.
Remember to brush softly and not aggressively, because brushing too hard can damage the tooth enamel and the gums. It can further lead to tooth decay, sensitivity, and gum erosion.
· Brush at least for 2 minutes
Brush your teeth in small circular motions, paying attention to the front, back, and top of each tooth. Take at a minimum of 2–3 minutes. Dont’ forget to brush your teeth from outside, inside and all over your molars. Clean every nook and cranny around your teeth.
You must brush your teeth for two minutes in order to remove any food or plaque that has accumulated since your last brushing. It is required to brush properly, in order to avoid tartar buildup and to get rid of both food and plaque.
· Don’t forget your Tongue
Scrubbing your tongue is just as significant as cleaning your teeth for better oral health. Tongue cleaning aids in the reduction of unwanted mouth bacteria that cause bad breath. It further diminishes the chances of a coated tongue, plaque buildup, and other oral health issues.
Do you know a tongue scraper is thought to be more effective than a toothbrush?
By cleaning your tongue twice a day, you may be able to lower your risk of cavities and bad breath.
· Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is useful for preventing cavities, and you can find it in many mouthwashes and toothpastes. It strengthens developing enamel and reduces the ability of plaque-causing bacteria to produce acid. Further, your teeth are protected against a process called demineralization. Thus, it is wise for anyone to use fluoride toothpaste.
· Floss daily!
Floss cleans the area where a toothbrush is unable to reach. It gets rid of plaque and bacteria between the teeth while also preventing bad breath by extracting debris and food that may be trapped in the teeth.
It is best to gently push the floss all the way down to the gum line before wrapping it around the sides of the teeth in up-and-down motions. However, be careful of snapping the floss up and down between the teeth, which may cause pain and discomfort.
· Wear those Retainers
After getting your braces off, it is important to wear retainers. This is your reminder that if you ever had braces near you, wear those retainers. They are designed to keep your teeth in place. Thus, opting to wear them for a lengthy period of time will allow the result to stay in for a long time. Plus, it will help keep your teeth straight. And if you don’t wear retainers your teeth will move causing the treatment to fail.
· Limit Intake of Harmful Sugar
Sugar turns acid in your mouth, which can then corrupt the enamel of your teeth. Such acids can lead to cavities and other dental problems. Consuming acidic fruits, tea, and coffee can also weaken tooth enamel. While you don’t need to stop consuming such foods completely, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.
· Consider Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps reduce the amount of acid in your mouth, clears hard-to-brush areas, and remineralizes the teeth. They are useful as adjunct tools to help bring things into balance. Because of their inability to brush their teeth, it can also be an excellent choice for children and the elderly.
You can even ask your dentist for a mouthwash recommendation if you have a sensitivity or any other oral problem.
· Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
Replacing your toothbrush is as necessary as brushing your teeth. It is advisable to get a new toothbrush every 3–4 months because, over time, the bristles of the toothbrush become worn out. The bristles tend to be rougher on the gums, which can lead to gum recession and inflammation.
· Visit your dentist regularly
No matter how good you take care of your teeth, it is still necessary to visit your dentist regularly. Even if it is just for cleanings and checkups two times a year. With the help of a dentist, your teeth can stay safe from any potential issues, and if you need treatment, you can get solutions.
You can also take benefit of dental insurance, which covers frequent dental checkups if provided. Visiting your dentist is especially beneficial if you suffer from dental conditions like gingivitis or recurrent cavities.
Finding an orthodontist in Orlando
Good oral health can go a long way toward keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Daily brushing and flossing, eating a proper diet, not smoking, and frequent visits to the dentist can help. It will also benefit your overall health.
If you have any questions, please contact our Orlando dental team. Also, if you are looking for an orthodontist in Orlando, you can reach out to us.
