Who doesn’t love a million-watt smile with beautiful pearly-white teeth? You probably already know that taking care of your teeth is an important part of staying healthy, but here’s an important reminder: sub-par dental habits can lead to pain and negative drawbacks that last a lifetime!
Brushing your teeth is a given. But that’s not where oral hygiene ends. In fact, it’s just where it begins.
Here are six dental habits you can start right now. These simple additions to your routine will keep your entire mouth healthy and your teeth looking as good as you feel.
Simple Dental Habits for a Winning Smile
1) Brush Your Teeth (the Right Way)
Yes, we all know that brushing is essential, but that doesn’t mean you’re following the best practices of dental care. Keeping your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue as healthy as possible requires an established routine. Brush twice daily, after waking up and before going to bed. Additionally, our dentists recommend brushing after every meal. The more often you brush, the less likely you’ll have to worry about food particles and bacteria making a home between your teeth.
Most importantly, don’t stop at your teeth! Brushing your tongue and gums is necessary to get rid of those pesky bacteria that can lead to cavities and gingivitis. Replace your toothbrush at least every 12 weeks, if not more often.
2) Use Dentist-Recommended Toothpaste
In addition to brushing well, you should also make sure that you use the right toothpaste. It’s tempting to go for whitening toothpaste, but it’s more important to select an option that includes fluoride.
The best toothpaste for your teeth depends on your preferences and oral health. When in doubt, talk to your SBS dentist for a recommendation. Sometimes, the flashiest options with tons of advertising power aren’t necessarily the best choice.
3) Start Flossing
Nobody particularly enjoys flossing, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the process. Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth!
We don’t expect you to start flossing after every meal, but we do recommend it. Start by flossing every other day and then work yourself toward the ultimate daily goal. The more you floss, the less discomfort you will feel. The process removes bits of food and bacteria and also stimulates your gums in a way that brushing simply cannot.
4) Hydrate
Sugary drinks are bad for your teeth. Yes, that can of Coke tastes great, but your teeth will suffer the consequences. That being said, avoiding sugar is not the only reason you should drink more water.
In addition to saving your mouth from rotting sugary substances, water can also wash out any little pieces of food that are hiding in your mouth. Additionally, fluoride-treated tap water is one more way to fight tooth decay.
5) Eat Healthy Foods
As is the case with drinks, sugary and acidic foods can be killers for your oral health. If you do have to satisfy a craving, consider doing so shortly before brushing your teeth to minimize residue.
Our advice? Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. These stimulate your saliva, adding fresh minerals to the surface of your teeth and gums in order to strengthen the surface and avoid decay. The right food and drinks can make all the difference when it comes to your oral health.
6) Schedule Regular Checkups with SBS Dentists
Last, but certainly not least, you cannot know how healthy your teeth actually are unless you get them checked on a regular basis. Visit your Simply Beautiful Smiles dentist every six months for routine cleanings and care.
We can also answer all of your questions about the best oral habits for a healthy mouth. From the right toothbrush to good flossing techniques, our friendly dentists will help you optimize your daily habits for maximum success.