Achieving good oral hygiene takes a lifetime of consistent, daily care. Most people know that brushing twice a day, and regular flossing is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy, but oral hygiene is about more than preventing cavities and gum disease.
Practicing good oral hygiene is a vital part of maintaining your overall health, which can be strengthened with the following tips.
Oral Health Tips Explained
1. Use the correct brushing technique
To effectively remove plaque and bacteria, brush teeth in small circular motions and avoid back-and-forth brushing. Take the time and care to brush the front, back, and top of every tooth, making sure to get into hard-to-reach places. The brushing process should take between 2 and 3 minutes to really get teeth clean.
Avoid brushing too hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush, which can damage protective tooth enamel and gums. We recommend brushing twice a day or after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to change your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles start to fray, whichever comes first.
When you visit your Airdrie dental clinic, your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate the correct brushing technique and recommend a set of products that will optimize your oral health.
2. Use products with fluoride
Fluoride is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash to help prevent cavities; however, not all dental products contain this ingredient. To avoid the risk of tooth decay, read the label to make sure that it contains fluoride. In Airdrie, family dental clinics use fluoride as part of their routine cleaning.
3. Visit your dentist regularly
We recommend seeing your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup. Depending on your history, age, and overall dental health, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
During a routine examination at an Airdrie dental clinic, a hygienist will clean your teeth, floss, and remove plaque and hardened tartar. Your dentist will then check for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Visiting your dentist regularly helps prevent more serious dental problems and ensure good oral health.
4. Eat a variety of healthy foods
Good nutrition helps build strong teeth and gums. Eat a well-balanced diet containing mouth-healthy snacks like cheese, vegetables, and nuts and limit sugary foods. Acidic fruits, alcohol, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel.
While you don’t have to avoid these types of food and drink completely, it’s important to be mindful of how they impact your oral health. If you drink coffee regularly or enjoy acidic fruits, be sure to brush twice daily.
5. Drink plenty of water
Water is extremely beneficial for your overall health. Along with drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, we recommend drinking water after every meal to help wash out some of the effects of sticky or acidic foods and beverages.
