5 Essential Dental Habits to Keep Your Smile Healthy
Dr. Alexander Matheson
Dr. Samantha Holder
When was the last time you took a trip to the dentist? According to Colgate, we should all go to the dentist about twice a year. That covers routine cleanings and check-ups, with extra trips to keep a healthy smile.
If you're lagging behind on your dentist trips, then there are some dental habits you can adopt that will keep your white teeth. Whether you're avoiding gum disease or just keeping your smile bright, the right oral care is crucial.
If you're looking for the best practices for maintaining your oral, Bellissimo Dentistry is here to help. Read on for the five best ways to keep a healthy smile.
Why Bother With Oral Hygiene?
First, why does it matter if you have good dental habits? Can't you put it off and have the dentist fix it for you later?
Unfortunately, our bodies don't run that way. If you let things get bad enough, the damage can be beyond fixing or require a much more serious fix. That can also make it significantly more expensive for you to fix, which is a toothache in its own right.
Think of oral hygiene as preventative care. That means you're doing this to avoid needing emergency dentistry. With proper dental care, your visits to the dentist will be easy and comfortable.
What Are the Risks?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, oral hygiene helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and halitosis. Oral health also helps keep our entire body healthy. An infection that begins in your mouth can spread to the rest of your body, for example.
Cleveland Clinic lists the following as some examples of health risks associated with poor dental habits:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Endocarditis
- Pneumonia
- Blood infections
- Complications with pregnancy
In short, oral hygiene keeps your whole body healthier and prevents significant issues with your teeth. Look for signs like bleeding gums, decaying teeth, or a swollen jaw that there's something wrong with your teeth.
Keep Your Teeth Brushed
One of the best practices you can do for preventative dentistry is to brush your teeth frequently. But how often and how can cleaning your teeth go wrong?
When to Brush
The most important time of day to brush your teeth is at the end of the day before you go to bed. That's because you'll still have all the gunk built up over the day on your teeth. Food particles, sugar, and bacteria all will linger overnight if you don't remove them.
Another important time is in the morning. As you sleep, the bacteria in your mouth multiply, leading to "morning breath." Brushing your teeth immediately will keep your teeth protected and remove this bacteria.
Many experts also recommend that you brush during the day. Brushing after every major meal is the best, since it removes any sugars or food debris from your teeth while also keeping the bacteria in check.
Not Just Your Teeth
Did you know there's more to brush than your teeth? You must remember to brush your tongue also.
According to Healthline, bacteria reproduce vigorously in the bumps and ridges of your tongue. They are between your tastebuds, near your uvula, and anywhere else they can find!
Brushing your teeth will not remove and destroy this bacteria. You may want to use a soft-bristle brush to avoid hurting your tongue.
Floss Every Day
How often do you floss? Only about 32% of adults floss daily according to the National Institutes of Health.
Flossing helps to remove hard-to-get detritus from between your teeth. Food that remains there can cause gum disease or halitosis.
No toothbrush is able to reach between the teeth the way flossing does. While some brands will claim that they can, there simply aren't brushes with bristles that penetrate all the way through the gap like floss does.
If you notice blood while flossing, it likely means you aren't flossing often enough. You may also be flossing too hard - you don't need to grind into the gum.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco products are one of the worst things for your teeth. Smoking in general can cause tar to fill your mouth even if it isn't tobacco you're smoking. But did you know smoking tobacco isn't the only way tobacco can harm your teeth?
Chewing tobacco or "dip" will also stain your teeth. These products will leave your teeth yellow and destroy the enamel on the outside. They may also put you at a higher risk for cavities or damage to your teeth, which can require more significant dental procedures.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
No one cares more about your healthy smile than you, but your family's dentist comes in a close second. You should visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth in the right shape.
One reason for this is so that you have someone to guide you in the right direction. Your dentist knows the best practices for oral hygiene and can help you design dental habits that are right for you.
Your dentist can also catch any problems as they occur. With frequent visits, you won't need to worry about cavities occurring without your knowledge.
Know Your Hygiene Products
Finally, you should know what sort of hygiene products you need. A brush, good toothpaste, and floss are definite choices, but what else is there?
A waterpick is a popular choice. It's great for getting some things out of your teeth, but it is not a replacement for flossing.
You should also speak to your dentist about mouthwash. They'll be able to recommend what brand your teeth need most. Sometimes, they may use digital imaging to help evaluate your teeth and find the best product.
Keeping Your Healthy Smile
Keeping a healthy smile is one part of increasing our overall health. With the right dental habits, you can avoid gum disease, maintain your white teeth, and master oral care.
At Bellissimo Dentistry and Implant Center, we offer a state-of-the-art Chandler dentistry office. We're committed to continuing our education in dentistry to provide you with prompt, professional services of the highest quality. Contact us today to see how we can help you keep your healthy smile.
