Regular dental visits are vital for maintaining optimal oral health, but the unnoticed problems can still take a toll. To prevent unseen dental issues from damaging your smile, follow these essential tips for maintaining the best oral health between visits to the dentist.
Brush Your Teeth With the Best Technique
Every day, twice a day, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for up to two minutes. The American Dental Association recommends holding the brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums while making short, circular motions.
Regular Flossing
Flossing at least once a day to remove any plaque that toothbrushes are unable to reach is essential to maintaining optimal oral health. Place a section of floss between two teeth and gently slide it up and down, making sure to cover all the likely spaces on loading and unloading.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
A diet that consists of nutritious fruits and vegetables, dairy, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts will contribute to optimal dental health. These foods combat harmful bacteria, while a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates can lead to tooth decay.
Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Tobacco use can lead to a long list of dental and oral health issues, including stains on the teeth, bad breath, and increased risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other illnesses. Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption will also benefit oral health, as both substances can lead to dry mouth, which is a main risk factor for tooth decay.
Stay Hydrated
Staying properly hydrated is important to overall health, as well as oral health. Water helps to maintain a healthy level of saliva in the mouth, which cleanses away harmful particles and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria. Drinking plenty of water can also help to reduce the risk of developing dry mouth.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
To ensure the most effective brushing, replace your toothbrush whenever the bristles are frayed or every three to four months. An old toothbrush will no longer function for optimal plaque removal and could be harboring bacteria.
Use Mouthwash and Other Oral Hygiene Products
Good oral hygiene practices include daily use of antiseptic mouthwash to combat bacteria build-up and bad breath. Additionally, consider using an electric toothbrush for optimal plaque removal and other oral hygiene products, such as a tongue scraper, to remove food particles and bacteria from the tongue.
Address Dental Problems Promptly
If you experience any dental problems between dental visits, be sure to see a dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could cause a minor issue to turn into something much larger that will require more invasive treatment.
Opt for Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to detect and treat dental problems before they become severe. Visits usually include a thorough cleaning and oral exam, and can prevent tooth, gum and other dental issues.
Maintaining optimal oral health between dental visits can be easily achieved with these simple and straightforward tips. Following these guidelines will help to ensure a smile that is healthy, strong, and bright.