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Are you ready to level up your dental health?
You already know the many ways your diet can directly impact your dental health (if you don’t, check out this previous article we wrote), but what are some additional habits you can cultivate for a brighter, healthier smile?
While many of you will agree that hygiene is the most important part of a healthy dental routine, there are a few extra things you can do to maximize your results.
1. Treat your acid reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD) is a chronic disease that causes stomach acid to irritate the lining of the esophagus. Acid reflux symptoms include:
- A burning sensation in the throat and/or upper abdomen
- Chest pain
- Indigestion
- Belching
Now, you may be wondering: What does this have to do with teeth? Because of its naturally acidic pH, stomach bile can erode tooth enamel (particularly on the back of the teeth) if it goes up into the mouth during sleep and after overeating. Your dentist may notice damage and provide the best treatment for your specific case, whether that’s over-the-counter medication or a change in diet and lifestyle.
2. Visit a family dentist every six months.
If you have no recurring dental issues, it’s safe to pay a visit to your dentist’s office at least every six months. However, here’s the issue: people’s schedules are conflicting, and sometimes going to the dentist isn’t among their priorities. Not only will they have to schedule appointments for themselves, but they also have to think about their partner and children. You may be one of these people.
That’s where family dentistry steps in. Having a trusted dental professional to take care of your whole family is both cost-effective and time-saving. Your family dentist will work with you to slot you in at an accessible time, making it a convenient one-trip visit.
3. Brush your teeth correctly, with the right toothbrush.
Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention the staple of dental health, which is brushing. In fact, it’s such a regular practice that it’s easy to do it poorly. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Don’t forget to brush both the inner and outer parts of your teeth. Regardless of the toothbrush you use, not all of them have the potential to reach more complicated areas.
- Refrain from brushing too hard. A soft-bristled toothbrush will prevent damage to your gums, as well as your teeth’s enamel, thus preventing sensitivity.
- There is such a thing as a toothbrush that’s too large for your mouth. When buying a toothbrush, choose one that will provide a comfortable fit while still being able to reach difficult areas, like the back of your molars.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Worn-out bristles won’t do a great job of cleaning and may collect bacteria if stored for too long.
4. Don’t skip flossing.
Think flossing is just a quick way to remove debris that has gotten stuck between your teeth? Think again. Flossing once a day prevents bacteria from lodging itself between your teeth, a place your toothbrush alone doesn’t have access to. What’s more, flossing has been associated with a lower prevalence of periodontitis. The activity also helps prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis.
It’s important, however, to clean the base of both teeth with the floss. Simply using a downward and upward motion isn’t enough.
5. Don’t neglect your tongue.
Throughout the day, your tongue gets covered with layers of bacteria. This isn’t a bad thing, and it happens to everyone. Still, you’ll want to remove that layer for fresher breath and a cleaner mouth. The tongue is a sensitive area, which is yet another reason to choose a softer toothbrush! But if you’d prefer, you can also use a tongue scraper to remove those particles. Just remember to be gentle when working on this area.
6. Use mouthwash.
For thorough cleaning, a little bit of mouthwash is the final touch. A combination of proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing can do wonders for your smile and overall oral health. Similar to dental floss, mouthwash reaches areas your toothbrush can’t. It helps rinse out the remainder of particles in your mouth and keeps your gums healthy. Plus, it leaves you with fresher breath for longer.
All you need is 30 seconds of rinsing. There’s no need to rinse out the mouthwash after using it — simply spit it out, and allow it to work. Most dentists recommend you use a zero-alcohol mouthwash because it is gentler on the oral mucosa.
7. Use fluoridated toothpastes.
The fluoride present in many toothpastes and mouthwashes acts as a shield against cavities. Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay, thus helping prevent cavities. It protects the teeth from acids that would otherwise corrode the tooth enamel, like the stomach acids mentioned earlier.
8. Avoid smoking.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but so many people forget how much smoking can negatively affect oral health. Smokers are more likely to develop both gum and periodontal disease, so remember that doing something good for your heart and lungs by quitting is also doing something good for your teeth and gums — actually for your whole body!
Reach out to the American Lung Association or Nicotine Anonymous for help with cutting down on smoking or stopping altogether for stronger teeth, healthier gums, improved lung function, and a healthier heart.
9. Don’t delay appointments. Get those crowns checked!
While dental crowns are incredibly durable, they won’t be in the same condition forever. Because a long time goes by until they need to be re-checked (usually five to 10 years), it’s easy to put off dentist visits to get them examined. A good professional will always take a look at them during examinations.
For this reason, you should avoid postponing your appointments, as having your crowns checked is necessary to rule out any issues. Whether they’re made of porcelain, metal, or resin, broken or cracked crowns should be replaced as soon as possible for your comfort.
10. Lastly, always see your dentist if you notice anything unusual.
At any sign of pain or discomfort, give your dentist a call. We’re sure they’ll be happy to see you and correct the issue as soon as possible.
Great dental health relies on more than just proper hygiene.
As you can see, small lifestyle changes and a little discipline play a large role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Stay consistent with your newly acquired dental habits, and you’ll notice a stark difference from where you began.