You may take great pride in your oral hygiene and have pearly whites to prove it. But taking care of your gums and teeth is more than a nice smile. It takes a lot of dedication and daily habits to keep your gums and teeth in tip-top shape. Lately, you may have neglected to brush your teeth or have forgotten to use floss. This article offers some reminders on what you should be doing to better care for your mouth!
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Of course, an essential tip for oral health is brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth is especially important when eating a lot of sugar. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day or more if you have time.
When brushing your teeth, don’t be aggressive. Most dentists recommend using a soft toothbrush. Believe it or not, they’re more effective at removing plaque than a hard brush. When using a hard toothbrush, you can damage your gums and create mouth issues down the road.
If you forget to brush your teeth, plaque builds up, resulting in a host of problems. So don’t fall asleep without grabbing your toothbrush and brushing those teeth to avoid cavities.
2. Make Time to Floss Your Teeth
Another way to combat plague is by flossing your teeth. It would help if you did this daily not to irritate your gums. If you try to floss after not doing it for a while, your gums may bleed. So, creating a habit of flossing daily prevents discomfort. Do it regularly, and your gums get used to your flossing. Furthermore, flossing reduces inflammation, which in turn lessens mouth pain.
3. Don’t Forget About Your Tongue
Did you know that plaque can build up on the tongue? So, in addition to brushing your teeth, gently brush your tongue at least once a day. By brushing your tongue, you prevent potential oral health problems from developing.
4. Use a Night Guard
You may have issues grinding your teeth during the day and night. Unfortunately, grinding your teeth can result in damaging your jaw and mouth. Consider using a night guard to combat a clenched jaw and grinding teeth. A night guard reduces pain in your mouth. Plus, it acts as a shield against your gums and teeth, which need protection from grinding.
5. Don’t Neglect Dental Cleanings
It doesn’t matter if you don’t experience mouth pain; going to the dentist should be prioritized. Getting regular dental cleanings allows your gums and teeth to stay healthy. There is likely some tartar buildup that you’re missing. Having a dentist clean your teeth combats plaque. Plus, it can also improve conditions like gingivitis.
You should also consider getting x-rays every once in a while. Though it’s not fun, x-rays reveal any potential issues with your teeth that may need fixing.
6. Drink Enough Water
Drinking water should be a daily priority. Water prevents dehydration, which is crucial as you go about your day. In addition, it washes away food particles that may otherwise get stuck between teeth. Make a habit of drinking water after each meal. Swishing it around your mouth is even better as it helps break stuck food particles free.
7. Stay Away From Sugary and Acidic Foods
If you’re curious why cavities form, it’s a little bit more complex than just eating sugar. Sugar often results in cavities because it turns into acid. When there are acids in your mouth, the enamel of your teeth gets worn down.
To prevent having too much acid in your mouth, eat less sugary foods. Acidic teas and fruits also can damage the enamel on your teeth. So, be wary of overeating sugar every day. It not only is terrible for your health, but it’s also bad for your mouth!
Conclusion
Making your mouth health a priority may not come easy, but it’s worth the extra effort. The last thing you want is to get gum disease down the road. Gingivitis is another issue when you don’t care for your gums and teeth.
Thankfully, you have the power to prevent cavities and other mouth issues now. So, make a point to brush your teeth, floss, and apply other daily habits. Your mouth will thank you!