Clean teeth are not only aesthetically pleasing, they also matter for your general health. That’s right, the condition of your mouth does not stop at your teeth and gums. Poor oral health can lead to heart issues like if bacteria or inflammation is left unchecked.
Protect your pearly whites by practicing good oral hygiene each day. Our dentists can help polish your teeth when you’re in the office, but care is up to you at home. It might even be time to take a step back and reevaluate your routine.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing 5 oral hygiene habits. These habits will not only , but make you feel better all around.
You’ve heard it all your life: brush teeth twice a day and floss daily. Dental professionals may sound like a broken record repeating the same advice. But, it’s for a good reason. A neglected mouth can suffer serious consequences like gum disease or tooth extraction.
Our dentists recommend that you and floss at least once. Now, it can be easy to brush or floss quickly and think the job’s done. What you want to do is practice proper technique. This will ensure the best clean possible.
Start off by gently holding the toothbrush. At a slight angle, aim the soft bristles up toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Move the brush in circular, short back and forth motions and don’t brush too hard. Do this over all tooth surfaces for two minutes.
Approach flossing in the same manner. Be gentle when moving between teeth and make sure to floss one tooth at a time. Try not to snap the floss into your gums and guide the floss using a rubbing motion.
One crucial mistake that people make when it comes to their oral health is forgoing fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally derived mineral that works to prevent cavities. It can commonly be found in many brands of toothpaste and mouthwash.
Products containing fluoride are safe and a lack of use can lead to tooth decay despite regular care. Think of it as a helpful enhancement to your oral hygiene routine. In combination with brushing and flossing, your odds of preventing disease are high.
It goes without saying that smoking is not the healthiest habit to partake in. Aside from damaging your lungs and respiratory system, it can also take a toll on your mouth. Tooth discoloration, inflammation, and an increased risk of oral cancer are possible outcomes.
We understand that quitting smoking is no small feat. Yet, quitting greatly reduces harm done to your mouth. This is regardless of how long you’ve used tobacco products. Improve your health today by choosing to stop smoking – your teeth and gums will thank you!
Beverages high in sugar are nice to enjoy as treats every now and then but should not be consumed every day. Sugary drinks like soda or juice can put you at a higher risk for developing harmful cavities.
Above all, it is best to drink water throughout the day. If you’d like, have sugar-sweetened beverages only during meals and in small volumes. If you reach for sugary drinks, remember to brush your teeth before going to sleep.
At Grandville Dental Health Center, our dentists focus on preventive care. Because of this, we recommend that you come into the office every 6 months for a teeth cleaning.
Yes, a cleaning allows for your teeth to be deeply polished. It also provides our dentists with an opportunity to check in. We’ll ask you how you’re feeling, if you have any concerns, and take note of any arising dental issues. Visits of this nature are often quick and matter greatly for your oral health!
It’s important to make sure you’re brushing, flossing, and limiting sugar intake. It takes practice to change old behaviors and get used to a new routine. Yet, once you do, our , know that you’ll see improvements. Schedule your next appointment with us online or call Grandville Dental Health Center today at (616) 531-0360.