Maintaining a healthy smile is important for more reasons than just looking good. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in yourself that can pay off big time down the road. By practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist for regular checkups, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. So why not start taking care of your smile today?
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. It helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, and it keeps your smile looking its best. Brushing twice a day is the recommended amount, so make sure to brush in the morning and before bed each day.
To get the most out of your brushing routine, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be sure to brush all of your teeth, using circular motions, and to spend at least two minutes doing so. Spit out the toothpaste after brushing, and don’t forget to rinse with water too!
Floss once a day
Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene, and it’s something that many people don’t do enough. Flossing once a day helps remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and gums, where a toothbrush can’t reach.
To floss properly, use about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers. Use your thumbs to guide the floss between your teeth, and be sure to curve it around the back of your teeth. Gently move the floss up and down, using a back-and-forth motion, to remove plaque and bacteria. Don’t forget to floss behind your last molars!
Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups
Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the best things you can do for your oral health, but many people don’t go as often as they should. Routine cleanings are important because they help remove plaque and tartar from your teeth before it gets too hard. They also provide an opportunity for your dentist to inspect your teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of problems that may need treatment.
You can also go to your dentist for a replacement tooth procedure in case you need one. The procedure will improve your appearance, speech, and comfort. You’ll also have an easier time eating the food that you want. It also increases your self-esteem since you can smile again without being too conscious about yourself.
By scheduling regular dental visits—and making them—you’re not only investing in your oral health, but you’re also investing in yourself!
Rinse with mouthwash
Mouthwash is another important part of your oral health routine, and it can help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. It also makes your teeth a little more resistant to plaque and will keep your breath smelling fresh for longer too.
When rinsing with mouthwash, follow its directions carefully—some types need to be swished around in your mouth before you swallow them, and others should be swished and then spit out. Be sure to rinse with mouthwash once a day to get the most benefits from it!
Eat a healthy diet low in sugar and high in calcium and vitamin D
Eating right is important for your overall health, including your oral health. By eating a healthy diet low in sugar and high in calcium and vitamin D, you can reduce the buildup of plaque that can lead to tartar and maybe even cavities. Drinking plenty of water every day will also help keep your mouth clean naturally!
As always, if you have any questions, it’s important to consult with your dentist. Your dentist is not only an expert in oral health, but they can also help you develop a personalized plan for keeping your smile clean and healthy!
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
If you’re a smoker, it’s not only important to quit smoking (and chewing tobacco), but it’s also important to tell your dentist. Tobacco use increases the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease, so quitting is one of the best things you can do for oral health!
While most people know that cigarette smoke can lead to lung cancer, many people don’t realize that it can affect your oral health too. Tobacco use can weaken gums and cause them to recede from the teeth, increasing the amount of tartar on your teeth. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but by making a plan for quitting and telling your dentist about it, you’ll be on your way to a healthier life!
Taking care of your oral health is important for more than just your smile. In addition to helping you look and feel better, it can also have a big impact on your physical well-being.
