Did you know one in four adults in the US has untreated tooth decay and around 9% of adults have severe gum disease? Your mouth and teeth can play a massive part in how you look and feel, and your smile is something you should be taking pride in and being proactive in caring for.
Improving your oral hygiene can improve many other areas of your health too. For example, when left untreated, gum disease can lead to an increased risk of infections, lower recovery times from illnesses, and even increased respiratory illnesses. If your oral hygiene routine needs some attention or you want to improve your at-home dental care routine, this post has ways to do so easier to give you the best smile possible and a healthier mouth.
Flossing
Everyone knows the importance of flossing, and despite you telling your dentist you do so regularly (they know when you don't!), not everyone is thorough with their flossing routine or consistent.
These days there are different tools on the market for those who prefer not to use string floss. From interdental brushes, floss pickers already threaded onto a small device, and even water flossers that shoot streams of water between your teeth to give your mouth a deeper clean.
Whatever method of flossing you prefer, find one that works for you and enjoy improved oral health without having to lie to your dentist.
Regular Check-Ups
Preventative dentistry is much easier, cheaper, and more pleasant than emergency treatment for dental issues. Whether you need cavities, a clean and polish, or advice on brushing techniques, your dentist can update you on what is happening inside your mouth before you experience a dental emergency. With this, Saskatoon Dentist provides exceptional dental services from routine checkups and cleanings to advanced treatments like dental implants and orthodontics. Finding the best dentist for you in your local area and visiting twice a year can help you identify any potential problems in your mouth and rectify them before they become too big of an issue.
Don't Brush After Eating
As tempting as it is to go and brush your teeth right after eating, this isn't always a good idea. If you have eaten acidic foods, for example, brushing your teeth right away can result in the acid causing more damage to the enamel on your teeth. Always rinse your mouth with water after eating to wash away any residue from food or drinks, and then brush an hour later if necessary.
Go Electric
The best way to get a deeper overall clean in your mouth is to swap your manual toothbrush for an electric one. The vibrations from electric toothbrushes can dislodge more plaque and help you clean your teeth easier and on a deeper level than before. Don't forget to focus on your gums and hard-to-reach areas for a better, more thorough clean and to reduce your risk of gum disease too. Talk to your dentist about the best electric toothbrush to buy or advice on the right size and style of brush for your mouth.
Stop Smoking
Smoking can be extremely bad for your health in many ways, especially for your oral health. Not only are smokers at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, but smoking can contribute to premature tooth loss, root decay, and increased gum problems. This is on top of smokers' breath and yellowing teeth too.
If you are really serious about improving your oral health, then quitting smoking is a great way to go about this and reduce the complications associated with smoking.
Don't Forget Your Tongue
How often do you brush your tongue? Your tongue comes into contact with as much food and drinks as the rest of your mouth, and while most people pay attention to their teeth and gums, not everyone gives their tongue the same attention. Build-up on your tongue can lead to bad breath and oral infections, at the very least. You can clean your tongue using your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove and build up debris. It can take a bit of getting used to at first, and some people may find using mouthwash an effective way to minimize build-up. However, you should ensure you clean your tongue after brushing but remove any excess toothpaste or build-up from your diet before rinsing it.
Conclusion
Small, consistent changes and adaptations to how you care for your mouth will help you to improve your oral health over time and give you a healthy mouth you are proud of. Neglecting your oral health can have massive consequences on your overall health and well-being, so ensuring you are on top of your oral care needs can boost your confidence and give you the pearly whites you want to show off. The best way to do this is to start looking for a cosmetic dentist in Tallahassee or one near you so they can guide you on your journey to healthier teeth.
