When it comes to health, teeth and gums are often overlooked. However, your dental health plays an important role in your overall well being. Neglecting the state of your mouth can lead to a variety of problems including tooth loss, gum disease, and serious health issues (like heart disease, respiratory infections, cancer, and diabetic complications).
Because protecting your teeth is a crucial aspect of maintaining your general health, we are sharing a few tips that can help you safeguard your oral health in your day-to-day life.
#1 Brush your teeth.
- Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably once in the morning after your breakfast and once in the evening before you go to bed.
- Brush for 2 minutes. This will allow you to clean your teeth thoroughly. Brushing for only 1 minute is not enough to remove the plaque on your teeth.
- Don’t overbrush. Brush gently to avoid damaging the enamel of your teeth. If the bristles look bent, you may be brushing too hard.
- Brush your tongue. Yes, bacteria can build up on your tongue as well. Reduce bacteria by including your tongue in your daily brushing routine.
#2 Wait for at least 30 minutes after a meal before brushing.
The enzymes that break down the food in your mouth can make it acidic, which will make your teeth prone to wear if you brush immediately.
#3 Use a suitable toothbrush.
Choose a toothbrush that’s right for you. What works for one person may not necessarily work for the other. Try out different types of toothbrushes to see which ones you feel more comfortable with. Below are a few things you need to consider when selecting a toothbrush:
- It has to be small enough to be able to reach the teeth at the back.
- Choose a shape that fits comfortably in your mouth.
- Use soft bristles to avoid wearing down your enamel.
- An electric toothbrush with a timer can help you brush long enough.
#4 Use a fluoride toothpaste.
Just like calcium, fluoride helps strengthen and repair teeth by remineralizing the enamel. Excessive demineralization of enamel can put your teeth on the fast track to tooth decay. When shopping for your next batch of toothpaste, make sure that fluoride is listed as one of the ingredients.
#5 Floss every day.
Dental professionals at www.CosmoDentalCentre.com says that brushing is not enough. Sometimes, food particles can get caught between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing dislodges these particles, saving you from cultivating bacteria and plaque between your teeth.
#6 Consider using mouthwash.
Rinse with mouthwash after you brush and floss to eliminate more oral bacteria and reduce plaque. Swish the mouthwash vigorously in your mouth for at least 30 seconds two times every day.
#7 Eat healthily.
As a rule, you should:
- Saturate your diet with nutritious food. This means leafy greens, calcium-rich products (like dairy), lean meats, and other types of food filled with vitamins like potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D.
- Avoid sugar-rich food. If you must eat sweet food or beverages, don’t let it linger in your mouth. Wash it down with water immediately to keep the acid produced by sugar from eating away at your teeth.
#8 Wash your toothbrush holder regularly.
Bacteria in your toothbrush holder can contaminate your toothbrush and your teeth. Makes sure to give it a good washing once every few days to keep bacteria at bay.
On top of this daily routine, be sure to pay regular visits to Dr. Pamela Li. Ottawa is home to several dental practices that offer exceptional care. Choose a dentist near you to help you stay on top of your oral health.
