Protecting our oral hygiene is often neglected, even though we should have our adult teeth with us for a lifetime. It may seem like a distant concern for people in their 20’s, 30’s or 40’s, yet the sooner you take your oral hygiene seriously, the less likely you are to have issues in the future. Here are 4 things that you should be doing everyday to keep your mouth healthy!
Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
It is recommended that you should brush your teeth twice a day in order to prevent harmful bacteria build up which can damage your enamel. You should brush once in the morning to kill any bacteria that has developed overnight, and then also in the evening to get rid of any food or drink residue. There are still some other good benefits of brushing your teeth twice a day.
When your enamel is damaged you can end up with all sorts of issues such as sensitive teeth or gum disease, so brushing your teeth twice a day should always be a priority, no matter what. Don’t forget to brush your tongue while you’re there to kill any odour-causing bacteria! Also, use a toothpaste containing fluoride, as this offers the best protection to your enamel.
Look For Fluoride Toothpaste
When it comes to choosing a toothpaste, there are more important factors to consider than supposed whitening benefits or flavours. No matter which toothpaste you choose, you must make sure that it contains fluoride. In recent years, fluoride has been under some scrutiny with people looking at links to potential issues, but it is a must when it comes to oral health. Fluoride helps to protect teeth against decay and fights the germs and bacteria which build up to cause plaque and tooth decay, as well as giving your teeth a protective coating.
Use Antibacterial Mouthwash
Many people believe that brushing your teeth is sufficient in killing bacteria, however this isn’t the case. You will struggle to get all around the mouth and gums with brushing alone, so after you have brushed your teeth, use antibacterial mouthwash. This should never be used as a replacement to brushing your teeth, rather an additional step to maintain your oral health.
Floss!
Again, flossing is something that should be done on top of brushing and using mouthwash. You need to floss in order to prevent the buildup of plaque and also to remove any food residue from between the teeth. Both of these things can be harmful if ignored, so make sure that you make the effort to floss once a day, preferably in the evening.
Drink Plenty of Water
Throughout the day, you should drink plenty of water for your general health, but this can also be good for your teeth. After eating or drinking, try to get into the habit of drinking a glass of water, as this will help to wash away some of the residue which can be harmful if left on the teeth all day. This won’t be as effective as brushing your teeth, but it is a convenient alternative until you are able to brush your teeth later in the day!
Don’t Neglect Your Tongue
Regularly drinking coffee, tea and fizzy drinks and certain foods can cause plaque to build up on your tongue. Not only will this lead to mouth odor, but it can also lead to other oral health problems. Every time you brush your teeth, gently give your tongue a brush too. Keep an eye out for things such as raised taste buds, ulcers and lumps on your tongue, too, as these can be signs of more serious oral health issues. If you spot any of them, be sure to get them checked out by your dentist or doctor.
Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Whilst ready-to-eat foods are convenient for life on the go, they’re not so great for your teeth and oral health. Eating crunchy and fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables not only contain higher levels of fibre, but they are the best snack choice for your teeth. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables help to improve your jaw strength and health, but the action of crunching not only helps to remove some plaque from teeth, but helps to remove any bits of food stuck in your teeth.
Keep Up With Dentist Appointments
Your own everyday dental habits are vital to your overall oral health and wellbeing. But, even the more regular brushers and flossers need to see their dentist regularly. You should be seeing your dentist at least once a year, if not twice, as not only can they remove plaque and tartar build up but they can also check for cavities and any other dental problems you may have developed since your last dental visit.
Final Thoughts
If you make a few small changes now, you will increase your chances of having a lifetime of healthy teeth. Whenever you have any concerns about your oral hygiene or health, it is essential that you visit a dentist based or local to you. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of having a healthy recovery and protect you from needing further dental work in the future, such as all on 4 dental implants, fillings or root canal!
