Oral health plays a big role in your general wellbeing. When bacteria overtakes your mouth, you’re at greater risk of developing cardiovascular and autoimmune issues, not just gum disease and cavities. Despite this, there are some basic yet essential oral hygiene habits that often get overlooked. Even if you think you’re a brushing and flossing superstar, keep reading. You might discover some helpful tools and tips for upgrading your routine!
Brushing Twice Daily
Dentists recommend brushing in the morning and just before bed. The morning session is to take care of bacteria accumulated overnight, mitigate bad breath, and prep your teeth for the day with protective fluoride toothpaste. As you continue your day, more bacteria and food particles can stick to your teeth, which is what the nightly session is for.
Something else you should remember here is to brush your tongue! It sees just as much exposure as your teeth, after all.
Routine Flossing
Are you looking in the mirror when you clean your teeth? If so, you might skip out on flossing if you don’t see anything stuck between your pearly whites. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there! Microscopic bacteria likes to slip between cracks in your dental line up, so pick up your classic thread or water flosser and get to work.
Dental Equipment Maintenance
Dental equipment like dentures, retainers, toothbrushes, water flossers, and so much more require maintenance and cleaning too. You’re not going to accomplish much when there’s bacteria on your oral devices! Care for your tools as instructed by your dentist (or the manufacturer) and replace your traditional toothbrush every three months.
Rinsing Between Meals
Technically, mouth rinses are considered optional. They do, however, promote your oral hygiene and can give your routine a boost. Warm water loosens and expels free-floating bacteria and food particles, preventing them from sticking after you eat. Adding a bit of salt can even help sores and cuts heal.
Biannual Dental Visits
With that, it’s back to another essential – visiting your dentist! Make no mistake, when bacteria hardens into equally harmful plaque and tartar, only a professional can wash it away. Dropping by for a checkup and cleaning once every six months can drastically improve your oral health!
If anxiety is keeping you from scheduling a checkup and cleaning, talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry. Many people avoid the dentist due to fear, so they could very well offer comfortable, non-invasive solutions. Your dentist doesn’t want you to miss out on oral care and would be happy to arrange accommodations!
About the Author
Dr. JD Hansen received his dental degree from the University of Louisville and has completed advanced training in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He finds helping people achieve their dream smile very rewarding and believes that good oral hygiene habits are the foundation of healthy, sparkly teeth. For patients with dental anxiety, Dr. Hansen offers sedation dentistry solutions. To contact his office, call 801-293-1234.