Everybody wants a healthy-looking smile, but it doesn’t just happen overnight. In order to ensure that your teeth are strong and well taken care of, you must take steps every day. Continue reading to learn about some of the most important habits from your dentist that you should have in order to keep your smile happy and healthy for years to come!
Brush Properly Twice Daily
Everybody knows that you should be brushing your teeth twice daily, but many still neglect this important habit. Ensuring that you are brushing your teeth properly is just as important. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and aim it at a 45-degree angle towards the gumline. Using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, brush in circular motions. Don’t brush too vigorously or you can cause damage to your enamel.
Floss Every Day
A lot of people who are great about brushing still refrain from flossing. By flossing once daily, you are reducing hard to reach plaque, stimulating the gums, and reducing inflammation in the area.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in rocks that leeches into natural water sources. It is a lead defense against tooth decay and is often added into city water supplies. This is also an ingredient in many dental products. Next time you’re shopping for your oral hygiene needs, make sure the toothpaste that you are purchasing contains fluoride. It works by killing germs and providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
Clean Your Tongue
Your teeth aren’t the only things needing cleaning. Plaque and bacteria can also build up on your tongue leading to bad breath and other oral health problems. Whenever you brush your teeth, be sure to brush your tongue as well. You could also invest in a tongue scraper from your local drug store.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps your smile in three ways. It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard to reach areas, and remineralizes your teeth. Mouth rinses are no replacement for regular brushing and flossing but are a great addition to your oral hygiene routine.
Stay Hydrated
Water is crucial for your entire body, including the health of your smile. It neutralizes acid in the mouth, washes away food debris, and helps to relieve dry mouth. On top of this, nearly all of the major systems in the body depend on water to function.
Eat Healthy
Sugar converts to acid in the mouth. When you are consuming too much, you will eventually suffer from enamel erosion and tooth decay. It’s best to avoid constantly indulging in tea, coffee, dried fruits, starchy snacks, and sticky candies. Instead you should reach for healthy foods like apple slices, baby carrots, celery sticks, nuts, yogurt, or cheese. If you’re thirsty, drink a glass of milk or water.
See Your Dentist
Even if you’re the best brusher and flosser in the world, you’re still going to miss spots in your mouth. You should see your dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and checkups. Your dentist is also trained to pick up on early signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues so you can be given the correct treatment.
To keep up with the health of your smile, these habits are a must. By taking these steps each day, you will have beautiful, healthy teeth that you will be proud to show off!
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph provides quality dental care to patients in the Conway, SC area. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and has gained over 25 years of experience. He is committed to expanding his knowledge and has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses. For more helpful tips or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (843) 488-4357.