8 Dental Habits Everyone Should Adopt
Your whole health and well-being are influenced by your oral health. Excellent dental health, on the other hand, is established over time by adopting good everyday practices. Here are eight dental habits you should follow for a happier and healthier mouth.
Brushing at least twice per day.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time is recommended. Brushing your teeth after each meal and snack is recommended if possible. This ensures that the food particles that the bacteria feed on do not remain on your teeth and gums.
Plaque is formed when bacteria in our mouths feed on food particles, particularly sugar. Plaque promotes gum disease and tooth damage, and it may solidify into tartar if it isn't eliminated on a regular basis by brushing and flossing properly. Tartar may only be removed with specific instruments by a dentist or dental hygiene.
2. Make use of the appropriate tools for the job.
You should always brush with fluoride toothpaste and use a soft bristle with a small enough head to fit in your mouth comfortably. You may also want to invest in an electric toothbrush.
When using a manual toothbrush, many people brush excessively hard, which can harm your teeth and gums over time. Electric toothbrushes have also been proven to be more effective than manual toothbrushes at removing plaque and preventing gingivitis. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or if the bristles fray or become uneven.
3. Perfect your brushing techniques
When brushing your teeth, keep your toothbrush at a modest slant and concentrate on the area between your gums and your teeth. Brush your teeth softly in a back-and-forth motion.
Take your time and brush each quadrant of your mouth for about thirty seconds, making sure to brush the inner, outside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth, as well as the backs of your last set of molars. Don't forget to brush your tongue as well.
4. Brushing before flossing
According to studies, brushing before flossing, rather than after flossing, minimizes the amount of plaque left between our teeth and helps our teeth retain fluoride. Fluoride strengthens our teeth, making them more resistant to decay and perhaps reversing it.
5. Flossing at least once a day
Flossing is an important element of your daily oral hygiene practices since it removes plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Patients who don't floss miss more than one-third of each tooth's surface. Flossing should be done once a day or if something gets lodged between your teeth.
6. Take flossing one tooth at a time
When flossing, proper technique is essential for excellent dental health. Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it around one of your teeth to make a ring around the base of your tooth. Gently push it beneath your gum line. Whip the teeth gently from the base to the tip two or three times until all of the plaque is gone. When flossing, remember to be careful, snapping the floss down might injure your gums and cause bleeding.
7. Be consistent
Consistency is the best thing you can do for your at-home oral health program. Make time for your oral health every day. Speak to your dentist or dental hygienist if you're having problems brushing or flossing your teeth. They might be able to recommend solutions to make brushing and flossing more convenient. Flossing may be made easier with tools like dental picks and pre-threaded flossers.
8. Visit your dentist regularly.
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings should be combined with good at-home oral hygiene practices. Regular examinations allow your dentist to spot possible issues, give preventative care, and monitor changes in your gums, teeth, and overall health.
To avoid problems such as gum disease or tooth decay, you should see your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months or if you believe something is wrong. Are you considering visiting a dentist? Come see us in Richmond Hill today for all your dental needs under one roof!