Proper dental hygiene is important for your oral health, but did you know it’s also important for your overall health as well? When most people think of oral hygiene, they typically associate it with just brushing and flossing. And while they’re certainly right in their association, they’re also not seeing the bigger picture when it comes to managing their dental health.
Many other things can be done; and at your local dental clinic here in Airdrie, we want to provide you with the knowledge to make well-informed decisions regarding your dental hygiene. Here are 5 tips for maintaining your oral health.
1. Regular Checkups
No one will be able to inform you of your dental health better than a professional. You should set appointments with your dentist about every 3 to 6 months to ensure everything is in working order when it comes to your dental hygiene.
By having these appointments regularly, your dentist can pinpoint the onset of any problems or issues — and as a result — will be able to treat them before they become detrimental, painful, or otherwise a nuisance in your life.
Additionally, your teeth will get a detailed and proficient cleaning while you’re there, which means any tartar or plaque buildup will be washed away, leaving your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
2. Eat a Nutritious Diet
Your diet plays a huge role in the health of your teeth. Do your best to avoid foods and beverages that are over-processed and loaded with sugar. Things such as sodas, candy, energy drinks, etc, should all be kept to a minimum — if not, cut out completely.
Go for more natural and wholesome foods. Foods such as leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale, etc), nuts, apples, meat and fatty fish, yogurt, broccoli, and cheese will help to make your teeth strong and healthy.
3. Refrain From Smoking
Smoking will not only stain your pearly whites, but it also has the potential to cause gum disease. And this can bring about a whole host of other problems such as oral cancer as well as the loss of teeth. Additionally, a lot of cosmetic dental surgery is the result of excessive smoking.
So if you’d like to save your teeth, your oral health, and a potentially expensive dental bill, then refrain from smoking. It’s a habit that doesn’t do you any good.
4. Brush
This kind of goes without saying, but we’re going to mention it anyway because it’s so important. Every day you should be both brushing and flossing to maintain your oral health. Use the 2×2 rule (brush for two minutes twice each day).
To simplify the process, try timing yourself for 30 seconds on each section — or corner — of your mouth. You can brush the upper right side, upper left side, followed by the lower right side and then the lower left side for 30 seconds each. This way, you’re focusing enough time on each section of your mouth, providing a proper cleaning.
5. Floss
Additionally, ensure that you’re flossing every day as well. At night (before you go to sleep) is the ideal time. If you skip flossing, food remnants that your brush missed will be left behind. This can result in decay over time. To circumvent this, floss your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes each night after brushing.
If you haven’t flossed in a while, your gums may be sore afterward. You might even experience pain, redness, and bleeding from your gums. This is not a cause for concern. It’s normal and will disappear after a week or so, once your gums get used to the regular flossing again. However, if the problem persists for longer than two weeks, schedule an appointment with your dentist and get checked up.
