There’s more to maintaining a good set of teeth than just brushing every single day.. No matter how nice your teeth are, they can quickly deteriorate once you neglect proper oral care. It’s important that you establish a number of oral care practices to ensure strong, healthy teeth. If you want to avoid dental problems in the future, make sure to include these 10 practices into your daily habits. For any further assistance get in touch with your local dentist in Joondalup for more information and help.
- Brush your teeth before going to bed
Just like you would brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning, it’s also important to brush your teeth before going to bed. This helps get rid of bacteria and food particles that have accumulated in your mouth throughout the day. Sleeping without brushing your teeth exposes it to acid attacks and wears down tooth enamel over time.
- Use the proper brushing technique
The way you brush your teeth plays a huge role in your oral health. You want to avoid bruising aggressively as this can cause receding gums and enamel wear. Brush your teeth by using soft, gentle strokes while angling the toothbrush at 45 degrees. Doing so will give your gums a good massage while removing plaque from the gumline.
- Brush your tongue too
Bacteria can also build up on your tongue as well. This can contribute to bad breath and an unpleasant taste if not cleaned properly. Some toothbrushes have a dedicated tongue cleaner at the back of the head which you can use to rub gently on your tongue. You can also use the toothbrush itself to clean your tongue and reduce the number of bacteria inside your mouth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste
While there are many flavors and varieties of toothpaste on the market, the one you should consider is a fluoride toothpaste. Dental experts recommend a toothpaste with fluoride on it because it remineralizes teeth and make your tooth enamel stronger and more resilient to acid attacks.
If you have sensitive teeth, you can opt for toothpaste that contains fluoride and other ingredients to help with sensitivity and/or gingivitis.
- Include flossing in your daily oral care
No matter how fine the bristles are in your toothbrush, it won’t be able to clean the areas in between your teeth like a floss does. Flossing your teeth helps remove stuck food particles between your teeth and prevent tooth decay from forming in these areas. If you’re having difficulty using traditional floss, you can pick up ready-to-use dental floss that’s C-shaped and has a handle for ease of use.
- Invest in an alcohol-free mouthwash
Not all mouthwashes are created equal. Some formulas contain alcohol which not only dries the mouth, but can also exacerbate halitosis (bad breath). For this reason, you want to invest in an alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse your mouth. Alcohol-free mouthwash doesn’t have these problems and is sting-free, making it a better option for maintaining your oral health.
Do note that using a mouthwash is not meant as a substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth. Think of its as a supplementary product that can further improve your oral hygiene.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water does wonders for your oral health. It helps wash down food particles as well as sugars from sodas and sweet foods. When you drink enough water, your mouth produces more saliva which contains minerals like calcium and phosphate to protect your teeth against tooth decay.
When your mouth is dry, you produce less saliva. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated to encourage saliva production and keep tooth decay at bay. The best beverage to drink after a meal is water so you can reduce the negative effects of acidic and sticky foods from damaging your teeth.
- Watch what you eat
You are what you eat, and this definitely applies to your teeth as well. While sugar itself isn’t bad for your teeth, it’s the acids that it produces is what will erode your tooth enamel. Sodas, candies, and other sweet treats are just as bad for your teeth as they are to your health. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods and if you can, use a straw when drinking sodas so the beverage bypasses your teeth.
- Address heartburn and vomiting
If you are experiencing severe heartburn, stomach acids may eventually reach your mouth and wreak havoc on your teeth. Stomach acids can wear down tooth enamel and contribute to tooth decay, which is why you should consider rinsing your mouth with water each time to wash off the acids.
Eating disorders like bulimia cause people to vomit after eating. If this is the case, don’t let the acids from the vomit soak in your mouth and rinse it with water as well.
- Visit the dentist at least twice a year
While establishing healthy oral habits is good for your oral health, so is going to the dentist. A dentist will oversee the condition of your teeth and treat potential issues before they become serious. Ideally, you want to visit a dentist at least twice a year to ensure that all of your teeth are in good condition.
This is especially true if you’ve neglected your teeth for quite some time. The dentist will offer treatment solutions to restore damaged teeth and prevent them from deteriorating even further.
These 10 oral care practices will help maintain the condition of your teeth so you can have that bright, beautiful smile for a long time.