Everyone wants to be able to smile with confidence andmaintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine is the best way to do this. Not only will it keep your teeth looking white and healthy, but you won’t have to worry too much about bad breath or cavities. While brushing your teeth twice a day is a must, if you want to make sure your oral hygiene is perfect, make sure you’re doing the following as well.
Upgrade to an Electric Toothbrush
Manual toothbrushes are fine to use, but there is no denying that electric toothbrushes can help to leave your mouth feeling extra clean. They’re great because they can remove more plaque from your mouth than manual brushing, and some types of an electric toothbrush can also help you to make sure you’re not scrubbing your teeth too harshly with pressure sensors. This is beneficial because applying too much pressure when brushing your teeth can irritate and damage your gums and tooth enamel. If you don’t use on already, consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush for a deeper clean.
Floss
Flossing is something all dentists recommend helping you prevent tooth decay, but not everyone bothers to do this. Yes, it is an extra effort, and sometimes flossing can be awkward, particularly when you’re trying to reach your back teeth, but it’s worth it. Your toothbrush (electric or manual) will only remove the plaque in the areas the bristles can reach, and the areas between your teeth are difficult to clean with brushing alone. Floss will help reduce the plaque in your mouth even further to help your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Reduce Acidic and Sugary Food Consumption
Everyone knows that foods and drinks that are high in sugar are bad for your teeth, but you might be consuming a lot more of this kind of thing than you realize. The bacteria in your mouth love sugar, but this will make them create more acids which is what causes teeth to erode and rot. This is also why avoiding highly acidic foods is also beneficial. Having these things once in a while is OK, but make sure you’re always checking the nutritional information on your snacks and other foods to avoid overindulging.
Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker, you’ve probably been told to quit numerous times for your health, but smoking can also be very bad for your teeth and gums too. Not only does nicotine leave horrible yellow/brown stains on your teeth, but the smoke can help to thicken the plaque in your mouth, leading to more bacteria getting stuck on your teeth and thriving there. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Eat Better
A change in your diet can do a lot for your health and a lot for your teeth. Foods that are considered to be great for your oral health include milk and cheese, thanks to all the calcium they contain, carrots, spinach, kale, strawberries, whole grains, nuts, and meaty fish. Not only are these good for your general health, but they’ll help you maintain a bright, healthy smile as well.
If you want to improve your oral hygiene routine, consider the suggestions above and what you might be missing out on.
