FOLLOW THESE HABITS FOR A BEAUTIFUL SMILE
You, like everybody else, have good and bad habits. Hopefully you also strive to have more good habits than bad habits. If you want a bright, healthy smile, you’ll need to develop more good dental habits. Our team at DentalWorks – Eastwood Niles have listed the top eight habits that everyone should be following. Making sure you have these basic dental habits will help you have the brightest smile in Niles, OH:
- PROPER BRUSHING TECHNIQUE
To avoid cavities and other problems, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day. Ideally, you should brush them 30 minutes after you eat or drink, but twice a day is the minimum. And it is not just how often you brush, but also your brushing technique. You must hold your toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle and move it in short, circular motions. Be careful not to brush too hard or you can hurt your gums and wear down your enamel. If you want to make brushing your teeth less work, think about buying an electric toothbrush. Most come with a built-in timer so you know you’re brushing for two minutes. If you want to make sure you are brushing your teeth correctly, ask your dental hygienist after your cleaning. They can demonstrate proper technique and help make sure you’re brushing effectively at home. Furthermore, be sure you are replacing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three months or sooner if it’s worn down.
- DON’T FORGET YOUR TONGUE
Buildup and bacteria is not restricted to your teeth and gums — it can also live on your tongue. Buildup can lead to chronic bad breath (halitosis) or a white discoloration on the tongue. Another reason to brush your tongue is that acidic bacteria can move from the tongue to your teeth and gums even after they have been cleaned, which can increase the chance of getting cavities. Carefully brush your tongue during your regular tooth brushing. Brushing your tongue is an easy habit that could improve your dental hygiene.
- PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANINGS
Along with your annual dental exam, you should be getting your teeth professionally cleaned at your dentist two times every year. Even if you’re brushing and flossing at home, it’s difficult to clean every nook and cranny in your mouth. A professional cleaning removes buildup, which can turn into cavities. A professional cleaning also includes polishing your enamel to remove stains. Professional cleanings twice a year help to strengthen your teeth and improve your smile.
- DAILY FLOSSING
Lots of people think that just brushing every day means they doing enough for their teeth, but that isn’t the case. Although you are brushing correctly twice a day, it’s still possible to develop buildup between your teeth. Flossing can dislodge debris, which can help fight off gingivitis and cavities, leaving you with healthy teeth and gums. You should floss your teeth at least once a day, but we recommend two times per day. To make sure you are flossing correctly, ask] your hygienist for tips during your cleaning.
- ANNUAL EXAMS
You should get a dental exam at least once per year. During dental exams, your dentist will check your overall dental health. Your dentist can diagnose and treat problems in their early stages (for example, cavities and gum disease), which can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress in the long-run. Do not wait until you start feeling pain to visit your dentist in Niles, OH.
- RINSING WITH A MOUTHWASH
Using mouthwash can help your oral health in a few different ways. It can reduce the quantity of acid in your mouth, clean the hard-to-reach areas that you can miss with your toothbrush, and strengthen your enamel. There are lots of different types of mouthwash to fit your specific needs and concerns. You might want a rinse that doesn’t have alcohol, one that decreases tooth sensitivity, one that helps to remove stains, or one that helps with dry mouth. Ask your dental team to recommend products that could boost your oral health. Once you’ve chosen a mouthwash, read and follow the directions on the package carefully.
- LIMIT SUGARY FOODS AND DRINKS
Food and drinks with sugar may taste delicious, but sugar becomes an acidic bacteria, which can become cavities in your teeth. Consuming foods and drinks with a lot of sugar (check the labels on your food because sugar is in more drinks and food than you think) can affect your oral health. Avoiding sugary foods can help limit the number of cavities you get. We are not saying that you have to avoid sugary foods and drinks altogether but limiting them can improve your current and future dental health. When you do have a treat that’s high in sugar, try to brush your teeth or use mouthwash when possible to remove the bacteria.
- FIGHT WITH FLUORIDE
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that is an excellent way to harden your teeth. Depending on where you live, your water supply may have fluoride added to it (most professional dental and health organizations recommend 0.7 mL of fluoride in every liter of drinking water). If your tap water doesn’t have fluoride or it doesn’t have enough, ask your dentist in Niles, OH about getting professional fluoride treatments. While most dentists recommend fluoride rinses for younger patients while their teeth are developing, adults can request them. You may also get prescription fluoride treatments to use at home and make sure you are brushing with fluoridated toothpaste.
START BUILDING GOOD HABITS NOW FOR A HEALTHIER SMILE
Now that you know different methods to improve your oral hygiene, contact our office in Niles, OH to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team at DentalWorks – Eastwood Niles will help you develop your home oral care routine and make sure you are brushing and flossing correctly. We will explain other ways that you could make your smile healthier. There is no better time to start a habit than now, so stop waiting and get started.
