You might brush and floss regularly, and those are important habits to keep your teeth healthy, but there are some other healthy habits you can implement to improve your oral hygiene.
Let’s take a look at 5 habits that help you keep your teeth, gums and entire oral cavity healthy.
1. Use the Right Brushing Technique
It’s not just brushing that’s important, it’s how you brush. To be truly effective, you should use small, circular motions and brush the front, top, and back of every tooth. Don’t just brush back and forth as if you’re sawing.
That entire process will take you about two or three minutes to complete. You also want to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and change it approximately once every three months when the ends look frayed.
2. Don’t Smoke
Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs; it’s bad for your teeth and gums too. It harms your immune system which makes it harder for your body to fight infections, it causes your teeth and tongue to turn yellow, and it makes your breath smell terrible!
Smoking also increases the speed at which gum disease advances and weakens the bones in your jaw. That will lead to tooth loss. Those are just some more good reasons why you shouldn’t smoke!
3. Use Mouthwash
Studies have shown that using mouthwash, particularly mouthwash containing chlorhexidine helps to control the buildup of plaque and prevent gingivitis. Mouthwashes that include essential oils are also beneficial for your oral health.
Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but it’s a good habit to add when taking care of your oral health.
4. Limit Sugars and Starches
The type of sugar found in starchy foods like bread and corn is particularly sticky on your teeth. That helps hold bacteria closer to your tooth’s surface which promotes decay.
Of course, sugary foods also promote tooth decay. If you can limit your dietary intake of sugars and starches, it’s not only good for your waistline, it’s also good for your dental health.
5. See Your Dentist Regularly
All of these habits are great, but you still need to see your dentist regularly for a good cleaning. Experts recommend you see your dentist every six months for a checkup to keep your smile bright.
Final Thoughts
Taking good care of your teeth and mouth means more than just brushing and flossing. While those are vital, there is more you need to do to practice good oral hygiene. These 5 habits can help you take the best care of your smile!
Image: Freepik
