(ThySistas.com) Taking good care of your teeth is easy, but it is a lifetime commitment. Even so, it’s important to take the appropriate steps each day to prevent oral health problems. Practicing these steps brings numerous benefits to you and your family — lesser teeth discomforts and better physical well-being are just some of them.
Start teaching kids early, and make tooth brushing a fun experience for all. Check out our 7 must-try oral practices that you and your family will surely benefit from.
#1 Rinse Mouth With Water or Chew Gum After Meal
When you chew gum after you eat, make sure to choose the sugarless one. Chewing gum after every meal enhances saliva flow, which minimizes possible tooth decay and prevents plaque acid. If there’s no gum available, then rinse your mouth with water. Doing so gets rid of food particles that could stick between your teeth and cause dental cavities.
#2 Opt for an Electric Toothbrush
If you can, it’s ideal to invest in an electric toothbrush as it effectively removes plaque from your teeth more than your average toothbrush because of its rotating, swinging movement. They are indeed pricey, but they are worth the cost in the long run. For a cheaper option, start with a battery-operated one available in drugstores. They may not be as effective as the electric toothbrushes, but it cleans better than a regular one.
While electric toothbrushes are not recommended for dentures, they are a viable option for those with partial dentures for single or multiple teeth.
#3 Reduce Sugar Consumption
While it may not be possible to get rid of sugar completely, reducing the consumption will help improve the overall aspect of your health. As for your teeth and gums, it’s recommended that your diet should consist of unprocessed foods. For example, green tea contains polyphenols that kill bacteria in your teeth, and dairy products help rebuild tooth enamel.
#4 Include Flossing
It’s already a standard practice to brush teeth 2 to 3 times a day, but flossing? Not really. Some may think flossing teeth isn’t that necessary, but it is. It is a vital step for eliminating bacteria in between your teeth. It’s also one of the best ways to ward off possible plaque, cavities, bad breath, and periodontal diseases. For more convenient flossing, try dental floss picks.
Just remember — whether you still have your real teeth or are wearing dentures, Sarnia dentists recommend that you should floss gently to avoid damage.
#5 Gargle With a Mouthwash
After you’re done brushing and flossing, it’s rinsing time! There’s more to mouthwash than just freshening your breath. It’s like an antiseptic that helps fight off remaining bacteria in your mouth. It can also prevent plaque build-up and tooth decay while keeping your mouth fresh.
#6 Avoid Excessive Whitening
Most of us want whiter teeth, but overdoing it can be dangerous. It can cause gum irritation, increase teeth sensitivity, or loss of tooth enamel. Tooth-whitener kits that are over-the-counter (OTC) serve only to remove minor discolorations and stains. Overusing it can be harmful, in case you aren’t achieving the desired results. It’s best to talk to your dentist about professional and safe options for teeth whitening.
#7 Avoid Teeth Grinding
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth while asleep, it puts you at risk of breaking or chipping a tooth. Not only that, you could even experience lockjaw and migraines. To find out if you grind your teeth, a routine dental exam will help. To protect your chompers, your dentist will recommend a certain mouthguard you can wear during bedtime.
#8 Regularly Visit Your Dentist
Part of achieving healthy teeth and gums for the entire family is a regular visit to the dentist. It is advised that a child should visit the dentist for the first time by their first birthday, making it vital to visit a kid’s Dental Office of Phoenix, or one in your location, to establish good hygiene habits and detect any potential dental issues early on. For adults, it is recommended to have dental checkups and cleaning every 6 months, and in some cases, more often. This is when the dentist checks for signs of gum diseases, cavities, tartar or plaque build-up, and oral cancer.
So, to prevent more serious oral problems and health complications, regular dental visits are a must. There are various dentists located in downtown Ottawa, Toronto, or other major cities that are able to help you maintain your oral health.
Staff Writer; Sherry Parker