A lot of people think that brushing and flossing are the only things you need to do to keep your mouth healthy. But there's a lot more to oral care than just that. Moreover, your oral health has direct impacts on physical health elsewhere in your body.
So, it’s important to invest the time and energy into taking the best care that you can of your mouth. Let’s work through the central ways to approach oral care.
Pay attention to what you consume.
You should make sure you're drinking plenty of water and eating a diet low in processed and simple sugars. Sugars invite bacteria that builds plaque on your teeth. Remember that many things that don’t taste sugary actually contain a lot of sugars and carbs that break down quickly into sugar, for instance: alcohol, white bread, potatoes, and white rice.
Additionally, smoking is an absolute no when it comes to oral health. Smoking damages not only your teeth, but also the tissues in your mouth and throat.
Pick a good toothbrush and use it effectively.
Your toothbrush should have soft bristles. You do not need anything stiff or scratchy to clean your teeth properly. Additionally, you should concentrate most of your brushing in circular motions, not harsh back and forth.
If you want to increase your toothbrush’s effectiveness, invest in an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes, especially the ones with oscillating (rotating) heads have been shown to remove more plaque from teeth than ordinary brushes. Plus, electric toothbrushes increase the brushers concentration. And you can get brushes with timers that help you brush for the appropriate amount of time.
Sonic technology adds another element to electric brushing. The sonic waves help disrupt the propagation of bacteria even below the gumline where brushes can’t reach.
Choose the right time to brush.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Most of us brush in the morning and before bed, but timing can matter beyond that as well. In fact, it’s been shown that brushing immediately after consuming acidic food or drink (like tea, coffee, citrus, and wine) can do more harm than good.
So, don’t gulp down the morning coffee and then rush off to cover up the aftertaste with minty toothpaste. Either brush your teeth right after rising from bed or wait at least half an hour after finishing an acidic food or beverage before brushing. In the same way, you should wait at least half an hour after finishing a glass of wine or a plate of pasta with tomato sauce before brushing your teeth.
If you don’t wait, brushing exposes presses the extra acid in your mouth into the nooks and crannies around your teeth.
Floss in more ways than one.
Many dentists will tell you that flossing is even more important than brushing (though the two really go hand in hand). Flossing gets plaque and food matter out from just below your gum line before it can harden and start causing separation between tooth and gum.
When you have long term buildup that separates the tooth and gum, your gums acquire pockets in them that are ripe for infection and eventual gingivitis (gum disease). Gum disease can affect far more than just your mouth. The blood that flows through your gums can carry bacteria to other parts of your body, even your heart. So, you can see why there is no way you should skimp on flossing.
Flossing, however, can be difficult for many of us—especially those who have teeth that are close together. Sometimes, it might feel impossible to reach certain spaces. This is when a water flosser comes in truly handy. It shoots a high-pressure stream of water that you can use to clean out those difficult spots.
Get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.
Dentists can reach places you find impossible to get to. They have tools to clean just below your gumline, and they have mirrors to help them see how your teeth and gums are looking. So, a nice deep clean at the dentist will go a long way and keep you updated on how everything looks.
Address orthodontic problems.
In addition to brushing and flossing, you need to make sure that your teeth are properly aligned. If you don’t address orthodontic problems, you can develop serious jaw pain and wear and tear issues. This can lead to pain and discomfort when you eat or chew as well as tooth damage over time..
Protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.
Some people, especially people with alignment problems or jaw tension issues, grind their teeth at night. This can cause tooth damage and contribute to cavities and gum disease. If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard while you sleep. A custom-made night guard will cushion your teeth against the effects of grinding and help you maintain your oral health.
At TeethNightGuard, we pride ourselves on making top-of-the-line custom night guards at prices that you can afford.
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