Taking care of your oral and dental hygiene is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle. Along with being able to show off a beautiful smile, having good mouth hygiene can help prevent gum disease, oral cancers, and other infections and diseases. Here are some tips for keeping your mouth in it’s best shape.
Brushing
While you may think that brushing is simply a matter of moving the toothbrush back and forth over the surface of your teeth, there is a certain method that is recommended as the proper way. First of all, hold the brush between your thumb and fingertips to avoid using too much pressure. Not only will excess force irritate your gums and possibly wear down enamel, it also causes the bristles on your toothbrush to bend and become unable to do their job effectively.
When you brush, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so it touches both the tooth and your gums at the same time. Make sure to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. For the inner surfaces of the front teeth, hold the toothbrush straight and use the tip of the brush to clean. It is recommended to brush your teeth for two minutes each session, and to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
Flossing
Brushing alone doesn’t remove all of the plaque and food particles from your mouth. The spaces between your teeth are generally unreachable by the bristles of your toothbrush. That is where flossing is helpful. By using dental floss, you can reach the tight spaces between and around teeth, all the way up to the gum line. You should floss at least once a day.
Mouth Cleaning
You know it’s important to clean your teeth, but what about the rest of your mouth? The other surfaces also require cleaning. Investing in specialty cleaning devices is one approach, or you can use some toothpaste and your toothbrush to gently clean your cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth as part of your regular oral care routine.
Avoid Harmful Substances
Tobacco, alcohol, and sugary food and drinks can all harm your teeth and mouth. From causing stains and dullness, deteriorating enamel with the high acidity and sugar content, up to causing gum disease and oral cancers, these vices all cause quite a bit of damage. If you can’t let go of the sodas and sweet drinks, sipping them through a straw can help reduce the contact with your teeth.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Having a regular semi-annual appointment is a necessary part of a full proper oral care routine. While following the previous steps will help you take care of your mouth and teeth, only a professional can tell if anything is wrong or if there are any suspicious areas that may be cause for concern in the future.
If it has been a while since your last trip to the dentist, give Family Dental Care a call at 613-736-5000 to book an appointment. We’re looking forward to seeing you and getting your teeth healthy and clean!
Leave a Reply