Practicing oral health today is critical if you want to avoid serious complications with your teeth down the road. People think that brushing your teeth is all that there is to have great teeth, but the reality is that avoiding cavities is a whole process. Here are some tips to help you have optimal oral health:
Make sure to update your supplies
What’s in your dental supply cabinet? A toothbrush, you say. While owning a toothbrush is certainly the first step to optimal oral hygiene, there are some things to consider. The best dental supplies will include a toothbrush with the right texture for your dental needs.
Updating your dental supplies every now and then is important to avoid bacteria growth on your toothbrush and other teeth cleaning items. You’ll want to have additional tools in your dental cleaning repertoire that go beyond just brushing.
Don’t forget to floss
As mentioned above, it’s important to have more than just a toothbrush for cleaning your teeth. Floss is one thing that dentists are continuously encouraging people to use but also something that people tend to skip a lot.
However, if you have any tight spaces or previous dental work, you could get food trapped in those spaces, resulting in more tooth decay. Floss! If you do have things like bridges or crowns, speak to your dentist about the right kind of floss for your specific needs.
Go for regular cleanings
The plaque build-up can result in more cavities, so visiting your dental hygienist for regular dental cleanings (around every five to six months) can help keep your teeth as beautiful and clean as you want them to be.
While you’re at it, it’s important to get yearly exams to help you catch any decay before it becomes more serious. It can be hard to fit in dental cleanings in your busy schedule, but it will be much more challenging to fit in a root canal or dental implant.
Mouth wash is helpful
If you want to have that final touch to your oral cleaning routine, mouthwash is another thing that helps you to make sure that you’re taking great care of your dental health. In some cases, you’ll want to speak to your dentist about using a prescribed mouthwash if you have any advanced issues with gum disease or tooth decay.
Some people like to use mouthwash that helps with whitening teeth, as well, so unless you have issues with your dental health, the mouthwash you choose has a lot to do with your personal preferences.
Avoid sugary drinks
You grew up hearing that candy would rot your teeth. It’s true; sugar isn’t good for your teeth. While you probably don’t eat as much candy as you did as a child, you may drink a lot of sodas or juices, which could also be causing issues with your dental health. Avoid drinking sugar in excess, as well as consuming foods with too much sugar if you’re trying to avoid tooth decay.
In Conclusion
To maintain healthy teeth, make sure you’re practicing some kind of dental routine that ensures your dental health for years to come. From the right toothbrush to water picks and dental floss, your cabinet should be full of different supplies that help you keep your teeth looking great (and feeling great) for a long time. Also, don’t skip visiting your dentist every six months or so, even if you’re not the biggest fan of dental clinics. You’ll spend less time there if you keep up with your dental health.