Improper oral hygiene can affect your overall health negatively. Issues such as gum disease have been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and premature babies in pregnant women among other conditions. Therefore, it is vital to take care of your teeth. Keep in mind that regular brushing and flossing may not be enough to fight underlying conditions that must be looked at by a professional dentist. Follow the 6 easy steps below, to help improve your overall health and dental hygiene. Now that is something to smile about?
1. Use a Soft-bristled Brush
It is very important to replace your toothbrush two or three times a year (or whenever the bristles are frayed). If you use a firm-bristle toothbrush currently, consider switching to a soft one. Medium and firm-bristled toothbrushes may leave your teeth feeling cleaner, but they can be abrasive and damaging over long periods of time.
2. Brushing should Start from the Back
This means you are cleaning out all the hard-to-access crevices between your molars, which are highly susceptible to gum diseases and cavities.
3. Include Mouthwash in Your Dental Hygiene Routine
You might feel satisfied with brushing twice daily and flossing, but rinsing with mouthwash containing antimicrobials will kill severe oral bacteria, helping to combat plaque. We recommend using a mouthwash with Fluoride.
4. Consume Teeth-Whitening Food
There are some food items that naturally whiten your teeth such as apples, cucumber, celery, carrots, lettuce, and pears. The plaque which causes your teeth to appear yellow gets scrubbed and removed from the surface of your teeth by these coarse, crunchy, and fibrous food items. Also, the longer chewing time helps stimulate saliva that neutralizes the acid responsible for the erosion of your teeth.
5. Don’t Brush Too Much
How much brushing is too much? Earlier recommendations were to brush after every meal but that may damage the gums and enamel. Therefore, brushing twice daily is sufficient for your dental health. Keep in mind that these tips may vary from one person to another.
Pro tip: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water after each meal and snack. Remember that plain water is the bane of toxic germs and bacteria!
6. Do not sip on Sugary Drinks through the Day
This is because constant exposure to sugar helps the bacteria in your mouth to use it as a source of food and metabolize it into lactic acid, leading to cavities.
Besides these 6 points, visiting your dentist regularly is the best overall tip for your dental health and hygiene. Call us at (905) 542-9999 to book an appointment, or visit our office in Mississauga => Unit #10, 2275 Britannia Rd. W., Mississauga, ON L5M 2G6.
Visit Dr. Beena George Dentistry located in Mississauga.
If you have more questions or want to book an appointment, feel free to call us at 905-542-9999.
