Your dental health is connected to your well physical well being, your mental health and underlying medical conditions. Now more than ever it is essential to take care of your teeth and gums. Luckily, there are many simple things you can do, the most important thing is to stick to it.
- Start a Regular Dental Routine
To care for your teeth and gums it is important to start a regular dental hygiene routine and stick with it every day. Once you get in the habit, it will be easier to remember to care for your teeth. Over time, these small actions will make a big difference in your dental and overall health. One thing to incorporate into your routine would be making regular dental appointments, like with dentart in Chicago for instance.
- Brush Twice a Day
An essential part of your dental hygiene routine should be to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Brushing gets rid of food particles and clears away bad bacteria and plaque, which left alone can erode your tooth enamel leading to tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease.
Brushing in the morning helps clear away plaque and bacteria that built up on your teeth and gums during the night. It also helps wake up your mouth, leaving you feeling fresh and ready for the day.
Food particles and plaque can damage your teeth while you sleep if not cleared away, this is why it is essential to brush before bed.
- Floss Everyday
Flossing clears away food debris and plaque from in between your teeth and under your gums, where toothbrushes can’t reach. Flossing is vital for your gum health, and yes, it is important to floss every day just like your dentist told you.
- Eat Healthy Foods
Eating a diet of fresh foods and vegetables will help your body stay healthy, and will also improve your dental health. Certain foods such as broccoli, beans and tofu are high in calcium, which helps repair and strengthen tooth enamel. Other foods such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach and cashews are high in magnesium, which also helps strengthen tooth enamel.
- Drink Water
Water is not only good for the rest of your body (we are 75% water after all), did you know it is also good for your dental health? Saliva helps protect your teeth and gums, strengthens tooth enamel and prevents harmful bacteria from growing out of control.
If you are dehydrated, your body cannot produce enough saliva. Dry mouth is also a cause of halitosis, or Bad Breath so to keep your mouth smelling clean and fresh, keep a bottle of water on hand.
- Think About Your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush is an important tool for maintaining your dental health at home. Be sure that yours is in good condition. Most dentists at Springdale Dental, recommend changing your toothbrush once the bristles start to bend outwards, which is usually around every three months.
- Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to help your oral health at home. Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and dry mouth, which can lead to gum inflammation and tooth decay. It also stains your teeth and makes your breath smell bad due to dry mouth.
- Use a Mouthguard
While you may not be playing a lot of team sports at the moment, it is still important to protect your teeth when you are active or exercise. Even solo sports like skateboarding can damage your teeth if you have a fall. Wearing a mouthguard protects your teeth from injury. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help protect your teeth from grinding.
- See Your Dentist
While your dentist may have more limited availability these days, if you have a dental concern, see any gum swelling or lumps or feel any pain it is important to contact your dental office right away. In many cases, they can assess you over the phone and if it is urgent, get you in to see and dentist safely. Whether you need an emergency dentist or a denture clinic in London, Ontario, websites like Dr. Pamela Li will allow you to find a clinic that offers phone or online consultations.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind