Most people don’t understand the extent to which your oral health plays on your overall well being. We all develop basic and regular oral health habits typically as young children; brushing, flossing, and attending the dentist a couple of times of year are customary for most. Today, we are asking the question “why” and “how” you can and should “brush up” on your oral health and providing you with some easy and comprehensive tips on how to follow through.
Why is a good oral health practice integral to a healthy lifestyle?
Many of us partake in oral health practices to ward off things like bad breath and cavities, but proper care of your teeth, gums, and mouth can lead to overall better health. Luckily, your mouth can serve as a good vantage point for what is going on inside your body, and brushing and flossing can help protect your body against harmful bacteria. Brushing and flossing regularly and getting regular dental cleanings will prevent plaque build-up and gum disease, reducing your risk of inflammation.
How to “brush up” on your oral health
Brush a minimum of twice a day
It’s a tale as old as time; brush your teeth at least twice a day, and for even better oral health results, brush your teeth after every time you eat.
Floss a minimum of once a day
Don’t lie about it; just do it! Flossing is the number one thing to help mitigate gum inflammation and gum disease. Flossing once a day can help promote long term oral health. A water pik is an electronic flosser that can help to replace regular flossing.
Schedule a dentist appointment for a checkup and cleaning every six months
Scheduling regular dental cleanings at your dentist’s office is extremely important. During your dental exam, your dentist will provide an oral exam that will evaluate the health of your mouth. Regular teeth cleaning and oral exams will genuinely help prevent long term damage.
Ensure you are using the right toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush or soft electric toothbrush promotes the best type of teeth cleaning for at-home brushing. Soft toothbrushes will gently help eliminate plaque buildup without damaging the gums. If you have trouble with your technique feel free to schedule a time for oral hygiene instructions at your next check-up appointment.
Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head regularly
You must replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head regularly. We suggest approximately every three months or sooner if the bristles on the toothbrush become flattened or broken. Remember to replace your toothbrush if you get sick with a cold or flu.
Use toothpaste with fluoride in it.
Don’t get too hung up on your toothpaste’s whitening power or flavour; instead, ensure that the toothpaste you are using has fluoride in it. Fluoride is the number one defence against tooth decay because it fights germs and bacteria and creates a protective barrier for your teeth.
Be gentle when brushing and flossing
While it may feel good to scrub the plaque off your teeth when brushing, it is imperative to make sure you are not brushing your teeth too hard. Optimal brushing can be performed through brushing in small gentle circles for approximately two minutes. Schedule a time to go over your technique with one of our skilled team members at your next check-up.
Limit your intake of highly acidic foods and drinks
Highly acidic and sugary foods and drinks can cause your teeth to decay over time. After consuming something acidic or sugary, we would suggest brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth out with water to prevent the bacteria from settling in your teeth and gums.
Drink lots of water
Drinking enough water promotes optimal oral health and overall health. Drinking water consistently throughout the day will flush bacteria out of your mouth.
Don’t forget your tongue
Bad breath? Brush your tongue! Bacteria can quickly build up on your tongue, so gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth is vital for your oral practice.
