The frantic pace of life we keep sometimes stops us looking after our oral health in detail, so here are some tips to follow for good oral health simply by changing a few daily habits.
Daily tips to follow for good oral health
Good oral health is down to you alone. As well as seeing the dentist every six months, you can also look after your oral health by following these small tips:
Brush your teeth after every meal
Are you one of those people who usually eats out? No excuses! Take your toothbrush to work or to school and clean them every time you eat something.
When you brush, do not overdo the toothpaste, because it stops you seeing clearly where the brush is going, which means the clean is not thorough.
Use floss and mouthwash
You should also bear in mind that the tongue harbors countless bacteria, so do not forget to brush it before you call the job done. Once you have finished brushing your teeth, you can reach the harder areas with an interdental brush or floss.
Finally, if you are someone who rinses with mouthwash, make sure it does not contain alcohol, since that dries the mouth out. Go for one with chlorhexidine instead, as it has proven effective for treating gingivitis.
Use the right toothpaste
There are countless brands on the market promising the perfect clean. Be aware of your own needs and buy the toothpaste that best suits them: whitening, anti-cavity, for sensitive teeth…
If you have gingivitis, gum disease or decay, ask your usual dentist which toothpaste best suits your needs.
Watch what you eat
We tend to snack on something or other in our free moments. Avoid cookies, packaged pastries and sticky foods, since as well as containing a lot of sugar, bits of them tend to get stuck between the teeth, so debris builds up.
It is also a good idea not to overdo drinks and foods with sweeteners, such as coffee, red wine or cola.
Instead you can go for raw foods such as carrots or apples. They make the jaw work, which produces more saliva.
If you cannot brush your teeth, chew gum
In a rush, we sometimes leave our toothbrush at home. When that happens turn to sugar-free chewing gum. It gets you salivating more, which protects your teeth against decay.
Protect your teeth if you play sport
Are you an athlete? If you play a sport such as soccer, boxing, hockey or any other contact sport, it is worth protecting your teeth against any impact.
See a dentist and ask for a custom mouthguard. That way you can enjoy your sport without worrying about damaging your teeth.
Take up healthy habits
There are habits we have that can harm our oral health. Sugary drinks and smoking are the most common, since sugar damages the teeth and the nicotine in tobacco makes the enamel lose its color.
In our daily lives, though, there are other habits that are very hard to change and that could be doing more harm than we think. Here are a few:
- Using your teeth as a tool. Teeth are not a tool for cutting things open or opening bottles, and doing so can cause breaks and cracks.
- Breathing through your mouth. Do you breathe through your mouth or your nose? If it is the former you should stop, since it dries the mouth out and can lead to the teeth developing badly.
- Biting your nails. As well as looking unattractive and damaging the natural surface of your nails, it can also transfer the bacteria on them into your mouth and cause serious infections.
Be aware of your own needs
Are you being treated for a serious illness? Protect your teeth. Some treatments can affect oral health.
It is very important to talk to your trusted dentist to explain your situation and protect them from any possible harm.
Avoid piercings at all costs
Are you thinking of getting a piercing? If you want to look after your oral health you should think again. Fitting these and other items in your mouth can cause injuries and trauma.
If you have one, it is very important to see the dentist regularly to make sure it is not doing any damage to your teeth.
Do not use products of dubious value
Various blogs give advice on how to remove plaque or whiten your teeth with home remedies. In many cases, following that advice can cause problems.
If you want to improve your oral health, you are better off seeing a specialist dentist who can offer real, effective solutions for what you are after.
