Taking proper care of your oral health can be a significant contribution to your body’s overall health. There is plenty of advice online for how to take care of your teeth, but here are eight essential tips to help you take care of your oral health from a professional dentist in Corunna.
Brush Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the bare minimum preventative and maintenance measure. Brushing your teeth removes leftover food residue and harmful bacteria on your teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning after breakfast and once before bed. This way, you limit the amount of time food and bacteria are stuck to your teeth and their ability to form harmful plaque.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Brushing your teeth is effective, but most toothbrushes do not reach the tight spaces in between your teeth. It is in these spaces that bits of food may hide and solidify into plaque. Flossing should be an important part of your oral health care regimen.
Mind Your Tongue and Gums
Brushing? Check! Flossing? Check! Mouthwash? Just as important! Using mouthwash can help you maintain healthy gums and a healthy tongue. We tend to underestimate where food can hide in our mouths. Mouthwash can help to rinse hidden and missed food from all areas of your mouth. It also helps to freshen your breath!
Avoid Starchy Foods Between Meals
Oral health is about more than just regular brushing and flossing. Eating well plays a major role in preserving your dental health as well. Starches are naturally found in foods like potatoes, bread, rice, and pasta. These foods are not water-soluble and break down in our digestive system to form natural sugars, which then give us energy. Unfortunately for your dental health, these sugars also stick to your teeth and may become a problem.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Drinks
Part of a healthy diet includes consuming healthy liquids, not just food. Just like food, drinks pass through your mouth, coating your gums, teeth, and tongue. When you regularly consume sugary and acidic beverages like pop, coffee, tea, and alcohol, you are putting your oral health at risk.
Stay Hydrated
Increasing your water intake is a great way to maintain your oral health. Water can help neutralize oral acids and wash away foods throughout the day. Water is also a great alternative to pops and other sugary drinks. If you enjoy carbonation, lightly flavored carbonated water is a fine option as well.
Ditch the Bad Habits
Bad habits like smoking and constant coffee drinking can have long-term impacts on your oral health. Smoking introduces new chemicals to your mouth and fuels bad bacteria. Drinking coffee regularly will also contribute to teeth stains that can be extremely difficult to reverse.
Visit the Dentist for Regular Check-ups
When you visit your dentist regularly, you reduce the likelihood of needing serious oral treatments. Riverview Family Dental invests in specialized dental equipment to remove plaque and bacteria that your regular brushing or flossing routine won’t be able to reach. It’s imperative that you visit a dentist in Sarnia or a dentist in Corunna for regular cleanings and check-ups in order to maintain a healthy smile.
Now that you have all the tools and information you need to keep your teeth in perfect condition, you can call to book your next dental appointment at Riverview Family Dental.
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