We all need good oral hygiene habits and practices, it’s essential for living an overall healthy life. And even though any time of year is a great time to begin practicing good oral habits, this particular time of year can be especially encouraging. With March 6th being National Dentist’s Day, it’s the perfect time to begin making these personal changes.
At Franklin Dental in Fort Mcmurray, we wanted to not only inform you of National Dentist’s Day on March 6th but also encourage you to begin taking better care of your oral hygiene if you aren’t already.
With that being said, here are 5 simple tips for you to start improving your dental health today.
1. Brush Twice a Day
Few things will do your oral health justice more than brushing daily. We all know how important this simple habit is, however, according to Statistics Canada, only 37% of Canadians brush twice daily and floss once daily. So if these reports are any indication, Canadians need reminding.
Brush twice a day, every day. This easy and effortless habit is the apex of best practices when it comes to oral hygiene – do all you can to make it a staple in your daily routine. If there’s any good oral habit to take on for National Dentist’s Day, let it be this one!
2. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
While it’s certainly not given as much attention as brushing your teeth, brushing your tongue should be top of mind as well. The reason being is that your tongue harbours large amounts of bacteria. In fact, most of the germs inside your mouth live and breed on your tongue!
And if you don’t properly clean it, it can lead to chronic bad breath. However, on the positive side, if you do clean your tongue regularly, there are a whole host of benefits waiting for you, such as:
- Improvement of taste when eating
- Enhanced immune system and digestive capacity
- Reduction of mouth infections
- Removal of plaque buildup
3. Get the Proper Toothpaste
It’s easy to assume that toothpaste is toothpaste and that there’s not much of a difference between any two brands. On the contrary, not all toothpaste is created equal. There are plenty of variations that are better for creating the conditions for good dental hygiene and a healthy mouth.
While it’s not so much the brand per se that matters most; it’s the ingredients. And what you’re looking for is a toothpaste brand that contains fluoride. The reason being is that fluoride reduces demineralization, which just so happens to be the first phase in tooth decay.
Crest toothpaste may be your best bet, as it’s not only a trusted name brand but also contains fluoride to help keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy.
4. Start Drinking More Water
Besides keeping us alive and hydrated, you may be surprised to know that water is also a great mouth purifier! This is because it washes your mouth clean of the food residue as well as the cavity-inducing germs that call your mouth home. This beneficial feature is further exaggerated when the water contains fluoride.
For this reason – as well as many others – drinking enough water can strengthen the overall health and vitality of your teeth and mouth. So ensure you’re getting enough water every day.
5. Flossing is Just as Necessary as Brushing
Only 28% of Canadians floss a minimum of 5 days a week. This communicates that many of us treat flossing as an afterthought rather than a priority. No bueno. Flossing is just as important as brushing. It helps to remove leftover food remnants in between your teeth that your toothbrush is unable to reach.
If you fail to make flossing a regular part of your oral hygiene routine, you increase your risk of gum disease, inflammation, oral bleeding, and in more serious circumstances; gingivitis.
However, by making flossing just as important as brushing, the benefits can be incredible. The least of which include:
- Enhanced oral health
- Removal of plaque and tartar
- Reduces bad breath
- Reduces cavities
- Removes lodged food remnants from teeth; resulting in a healthy, clean smile
Final Thoughts
With National Dentist’s Day fast approaching, let it lead you to picking up some (or all) of these healthy dental habits, and let these habits then lead you to vibrant oral health. Just imagine the healthy smile you’ll have after taking on these habits! The level of confidence and pride you’ll attain from your immaculate smile is worth the few minutes a day it takes to make it happen.
If you have any questions or would like to learn about how we at Franklin Dental can improve your smile – book an appointment with us today.
