Nothing beats a beautiful, healthy smile. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious dental and medical health issues such as infection, bone loss, gum disease, heart disease, digestive issues and more. Here are our top 10 simple and effective tips for keeping that smile bright and improve your dental health.
1. Brush properly and with the right toothbrush and toothpaste
The simplest step toward taking care of you oral health and keeping your teeth clean. Bristles should be placed at 45 degree angle close to the gum line when brushing teeth. The bristles should be in contact with the gum line and tooth surface. Use back-and-forth and up-and-down motions when brushing teeth. Brush gently and with a soft to medium toothbrush to avoid bleeding and damage to gums and enamel on teeth. To rid of bacteria that causes bad breath also brush the surfaces of your tongue and roof of your mouth for a more overall positive effect on your oral health. Spit out the toothpaste and don't rinse with water so that the fluoride in the toothpaste has time to be absorbed by the teeth to strengthen your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove acid build-up. Brushing at night being the most important time. During the day you should rinse your mouth with water after eating to also help reduce the build-up of acid on the surfaces in your mouth.
2. Floss - It adds years to your life (really)
Flossing not only prevents gum disease, but it also prevents heart disease. These two together is what adds years to your life and extend life expectancy. Floss at least once a day to help remove food and other particles from between teeth and those hard to reach places where the bristles of the toothbrush and not even mouthwash can reach. Floss between all the teeth and make sure you get all the much out, especially between the back teeth (molars) as that is where a lot of food particles stay behind and get stuck.
3. Avoid tobacco and limit sodas, coffee and alcohol
Smoking stains your teeth, not to mention it can cause oral cancer and periodontal problems. Sodas, coffee and alcohol contains additives that can discolour and stain teeth as well.
4. Clean teeth during the day by eating...
Although you can't brush your teeth all day and in all circumstances there are ways to clean teeth without using a toothbrush. Hard fruits and veggies such as carrots, apples and celery can clean your teeth after you've had a meal. Drink water that rinses your mouth (as mentioned before) and milk that strengthens your teeth.
5. Visit your dentist
You should visit your dentist at least every 6 months for a full check up, hygiene treatment and good cleaning. Your dentist will also be able to detect future problems and nip them in the bud with right then and there before it becomes a major problem. If you have on going tooth and gum ache then you should consult your dentist immediately so they can treat and find out what the underlying problem is.
6. Use mouthwash
Using mouthwash is a bonus. It can't do all the work, but if you already follow the other steps, brush, floss, visit your dentist etc. it helps maintain strong teeth and kill bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath and infections in your fight toward great oral health.
There you go, 6 totally simple yet effective tips for amazing oral health. Keep in mind that a good oral routine is not just good for keeping your smile bright and your breath fresh. It is also crucial in your whole body health scene. Oral problems can lead to many diseases like diabetes, infections, heart disease and problems. Gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth. Be serious about your oral health as it is serious to your overall health.
For more information on managing oral health and dental care visit http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/basic-dental-care-overview
Happy cleaning.
