Your oral health is more important than you think. Taking good care of your mouth and teeth is vital as it can help prevent problems when you grow older. Just think about what your mouth and teeth can do each day. You use your mouth and teeth to eat, smile, speak and a whole lot more. You can just imagine how you can affect these things if you don’t promote good oral health.
To have good oral health might be challenging but it is not impossible – you just have to be consistent, aware and create good choices for your oral health. What are these choices? Here are some lists you can follow for optimal oral care:
- Brush your teeth regularly
Your dentist probably told you when you were younger to brush your teeth at least twice a day. However, these are also some of the things that we often forget. If you can’t brush your teeth after your last meal, then make sure to brush them before you go to bed.
- Know the correct way of brushing your teeth
You may think that brushing your teeth is already enough to keep your teeth healthy. But knowing the correct way of brushing your teeth will guarantee that you have properly removed the plaques that have accumulated the entire day. Move your brush back and forth to your teeth, then gently in a circular motion. Make sure to pay extra attention to the inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. And don’t forget your tongue; plaques can also accumulate on your tongue which causes unpleasant odor.
- Choose a toothpaste with fluoride
There are a wide variety of toothpastes nowadays. Some have whitening formulas and different flavors. However, when buying toothpaste, pick one with fluoride as it helps kill the germs on your teeth and strengthens it.
- Floss regularly
There is more to flossing than removing the little pieces of food that get stuck in between your teeth. Flossing, as a matter of fact, stimulates your gums and reduces the risk of gum inflammation.
- Eating healthy
Crisp vegetables and fruits act like a brush that removes plaque from your teeth. Aside from that, chewing crisp vegetables and fruits is a great way of exercising your jaw. Make sure to always drink water, especially after every meal, as it helps wash out the acids from the food you eat.
How often should you change your toothbrush?
If you brush your teeth twice a day, you should change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. You can also change it if you see that the bristles are frayed. Remember, an old toothbrush may not be as effective in cleaning your teeth. Worse, your teeth can get plaque. A toothbrush with good bristles can help get rid of plaque but if your toothbrush is too old, it can be less effective. Remember to make good choices for your oral health and your future self will thank you. For all inquiries about your dental oral health, contact the professionals at New Smiles Dental in Woodbridge, VA (703)494-0820 and Stafford, VA (540-720-1222, for their expertise and advice.
