Clean teeth matter for your overall well-being, not just a great smile. Yes, the condition of your oral health doesn’t stop at your teeth and gums. Poor oral health is shown to cause cardiovascular problems, such as heart problems, if inflammation and bacteria are left unchecked.
5 Essential Oral Health Habits
Practicing good oral hygiene each day goes a long way in protecting your pearly whites. At Sacramento River Dental Group, our dentists can polish your teeth from our office and advise you on how to take care of them. This may be the best time to take a step back and reconsider your routine.
In this post, we will look at five essential oral hygiene habits. These should not only help improve the health of your gums and teeth but also make you feel better all-round.
1. Regularly Brushing and Flossing your Teeth
You have probably heard it all your life – brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Dentists might sound like a broken record repeating the same advice, but it’s for a good reason. Neglected oral health could lead to serious consequences, including tooth loss and gum disease.
Our dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily. It can be easy to floss or brush quickly and assume the job’s done. However, what you want is to practice the proper technique. This will go a long way in ensuring your mouth is as clean as possible.
Start by gently holding the toothbrush, and at a slight angle, aim the bristles toward the area your teeth meet the gums. Move the brush in short, circular back-and-forth motions while avoiding brushing too hard. Do this for all the other teeth for two or more minutes.
Do your flossing in a similar manner. Be gentle as you move between teeth, and ensure you’re flossing one tooth at a time. Avoid snapping the floss in your gums, and guide it using a rubbing motion.
2. Embrace Fluoride
One of the key mistakes people make when maintaining their oral health is foregoing fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities. It’s usually found in many mouthwash and toothpaste brands.
Products containing fluoride are safe to use, and avoiding them could promote tooth decay despite regular oral care. Consider it a helpful substance that enhances your oral hygiene. When combined with flossing and brushing, your odds of preventing oral problems improve dramatically.
3. Avoid Smoking
By now, you know that smoking is not the healthiest habit in the world. It damages your lungs and the rest of your respiratory system and can affect your oral health. Tooth discoloration, inflammation, and a higher risk of oral cancer are all possible outcomes.
We know that it’s no small feat to quit smoking. However, quitting will greatly reduce the harm done to your oral health. It doesn’t matter how long you have been using tobacco products. Get on top of your health today by quitting smoking – your gums and teeth will thank you.
4. Limit your Intake of Sugary Drinks
Beverages that are high in sugar are super enjoyable, but they shouldn’t be consumed every day if you want the best oral health. Sugary drinks like juice or soda can place you at a higher risk of developing cavities.
Above everything, it’s wise to drink water throughout the day. If you just can’t avoid them, only have sugary drinks and in smaller volumes during meals. And if you do, don’t forget to brush your teeth before you go to bed.
5. See a Dentist Every 6 Months
At Sacramento River Dental Group, our dentists are focused on preventative dental care. For this reason, we advise our clients to come to our office every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
Cleaning will allow for your teeth to be deeply polished and give your dentist a good opportunity to check-in. We’ll check how you generally feel, and if you have any concerns, note any potential issues. These visits are generally quick and are crucial to your oral health.
Gift Yourself a Sparkling Smile
It’s essential to ensure you’re flossing, brushing, and limiting your daily sugar intake. It requires patience to change old behaviors and pick up a new routine. Yet, once you do, you will certainly see some improvements. Schedule an appointment online with our dentists in Sacramento, CA, or call Sacramento River Dental Group today at (916) 391 4848.
