6 Dental Hygiene Tips to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Keeping your smile in good condition is part of achieving overall wellness. Any issues concerning the mouth can impact the rest of the body.
Have you heard that gum disease is linked to increased risks of heart attack and serious cardiovascular diseases? Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t all about keeping your smile ready for the camera.
Dental hygiene practices to keep your mouth healthy:
- Brush properly at least twice a day. What’s the proper way to brush? Regardless of the type of toothbrush that you use, be sure to cover every tooth, especially the molars at the back. These teeth are used for heavy chewing, and they have deep grooves where debris can accumulate. Take it slow and use gentle strokes. Aggressive brushing can cause the enamel to erode. Brush before bedtime as salivary flow is less during sleep. The mouth becomes more acidic, and this can make the teeth more vulnerable to tartar build-up.
- Floss daily. Flossing is a supplement to brushing. It can get rid of deposits that the toothbrush cannot reach, such as tight spaces and areas between teeth and along the gumline. Daily flossing can help reduce debris build-up on teeth and gums, make your teeth appear brighter, and protect you against gum diseases. Talk to your dentist about tools they can recommend if you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance or are uncomfortable with traditional dental floss.
- Clean tongue. Not cleaning your tongue may be a disservice to your dental hygiene routine. The tongue can also attract harmful bacteria as it’s filled with crevices and rough spots. Bacteria build-up on the tongue can lead to bad breath and keep you from enjoying the flavors of your food. Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush, and clean the tongue from the far back to the front. Cover the entire surface as deposits can get delivered back to the teeth and gums.
- Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and shield it against acid attacks. It helps restore minerals that the enamel is losing and protects against cavities too. Fluoride is present in drinking water or fluoride toothpaste. Consider using fluoride toothpaste, but don’t go overboard. Excessive fluoride can be harmful too. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be enough to clean adult teeth.
- Hydrate with water. Water is the friendliest beverage for the teeth. It doesn’t cause discolouration nor contribute to acid levels in the mouth. It also helps stimulate salivary flow, flush down debris from food, and keep your breath fresh. That said, try to increase your water intake daily and reduce consumption of highly pigmented and acidic beverages.
- Maintain a balanced diet. The mouth also requires nutrition from food to function well. Limit the intake of starchy and sugary food as they tend to cling to the teeth, and their residue combines with bacteria to form harmful acids. Fruits and vegetables can help strengthen the teeth and gums and improve moisture levels in the mouth. Some fruits, such as apples, are also ideal grab-and-go snacks as they’re easy to prepare and aren’t messy.
Discomfort or pain in the mouth can radiate to other parts of the body, and you may find yourself skipping work, school, or even routine activities at home. The dental hygiene tips we just listed can help avoid these situations.
Don’t forget to see your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional dental hygiene cleanings. Your dentist can also help you boost your daily dental care routine.
For more questions about dental hygiene treatments or if you’d like to book a dental visit at Smyl Dentistry in Toronto call at