The dental care we receive as children set the foundation for what our teeth will look like and how they will function as adults. Good dental hygiene practices, such as daily brushing and flossing, are essential in maintaining good oral health as an adult. If you’re looking to improve your smile or prevent long-term issues, it’s important to have regular checkups with your local dentist. At Andrew Lee Dentistry in Leamington Spa, our dentists want you to have the best oral health possible and they’re ready to give you the advice and assistance you need to achieve it! We’ve compiled a helpful list of tips on how to keep your teeth clean and healthy at home. Check out our seven helpful tips on how to maintain good dental hygiene!
Tip 1: Go Easy On The Sugar
More than just harming your teeth, excess sugar intake can also cause weight gain, heart disease and other health problems. If you want to avoid bad breath and ensure a healthy smile, it’s best to cut back on sugary foods and drinks. If there’s any question as to whether or not something is high in sugar; if it tastes sweet, it probably contains some level of added sugar. And if a product isn’t good for your teeth (or anything else), why risk eating too much? Eat in moderation to maintain a healthy smile.
Tip 2: Don’t Brush Aggressively
You should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Brushing too hard can damage gum tissue and wear away tooth enamel, leading to gum disease or cavities. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride and limiting your brushing time to avoid overbrushing. Most dentists recommend using circular motions when brushing, instead of back-and-forth motions which can be damaging to your gums. If you have receding gums, talk to your dentist about proper brushing techniques.
Tip 3: Do Not Smoke
Smoking not only leads to bad breath, but it can also stain your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease. If you want to keep those pearly whites in top shape, steer clear of tobacco products. Instead, try chewing some cinnamon sticks or a peppermint as both have been shown to help freshen your breath. If you do smoke, though, don’t be discouraged; there are many ways to get that fresh-breath feeling without smoking. A diet rich in vitamin C is also essential for keeping gums healthy—and lemons and oranges are just two fruits high in vitamin C. Chewing sugarless gum after meals will stimulate saliva production, which will naturally wash away food particles from your teeth. Finally, schedule regular dental checkups so you can catch any problems early. Remember, good dental hygiene is important at any age!
Tip 4: Be Aware Of How Much You Snack
Snacking isn’t necessarily harmful. It can be a good way to keep hunger at bay and meet your body’s energy needs between meals. The problem is that many people snack on foods that are not healthy for them, or on too much food in general. If you have nighttime cravings, try to satisfy them with healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables rather than junk food.
Tip 5: Treat Flossing As Important As Brushing
Flossing is more important than brushing for preventing cavities and gum disease. When you floss, you’re removing plaque build-up and other food debris that might have made its way between your teeth while brushing can’t quite reach it. As a result, flossing prevents bad breath and fewer cavities. We recommend that everyone should use dental floss daily to help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. If you don’t already floss regularly, consider starting! You can pick up dental floss at any pharmacy or food store; there are also flavoured options available if traditional unflavoured waxed threads aren’t your thing.
Tip 6: Use A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
If you’ve been using a hard toothbrush for a while now, replace it before it’s too late. With medium and firm bristles, you may think you’re doing a better job cleaning your teeth, but over time these brushes can damage them. Look for toothbrushes with soft bristles made of natural or silicone rubber. You should also choose a toothbrush with smaller bristles to reach between teeth more easily.
Tip 7: See Your Dentist At Least Twice A Year
It’s important to visit your dentist every six months. During that time, you should get a professional cleaning and a full-mouth exam. These general check-ups will ensure that you have good dental hygiene, especially because most cavities develop on surfaces that aren’t easily seen by patients (such as between teeth). This schedule may vary depending on your dental needs, but it’s a good place to start. If you find yourself with tooth pain or other issues, make an appointment straight away. Waiting too long can lead to more serious problems down the road—and possibly even tooth loss!
At Andrew Lee Dentistry, we want to make sure you have the best dental experience possible, and part of that means providing information on good dental hygiene practices at home and in your daily life. Our dentists and staff are constantly researching the latest dental procedures and technologies to provide you with the most effective treatments available. So don’t hesitate and contact us today!
