Your smile brightens your face and the mood of everyone around you. A healthy set of teeth can make your smile shine. To keep your teeth clean and bright you know you need to take care of them. You brush your teeth every day and see your dentist regularly for check-ups. Other than those two basics, you aren’t sure what other steps you can take to ensure your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is a great first step in your good oral hygiene routine. However, there are a few other steps needed if you want to keep your teeth and the rest of your mouth in optimal shape. Here are 5 good habits to help keep your teeth healthy.
Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way
Brushing your teeth is the first step in good oral hygiene habits. The best way to brush your teeth is with a soft bristle tooth brush and a fluoride toothpaste. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, including when you wake up and before you go to sleep.
It’s important to brush your teeth right before you go to bed to remove any leftover food particles that are stuck between your teeth. Food left in the crevices can bind with plaque and lead to cavities or tooth decay.
Flossing Your Teeth
The second habit you should add to your oral hygiene routine is flossing your teeth. Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth and should be done at least once a day. Foss removes particles of food in between your teeth and in places your toothbrush may not be able to reach.
If flossing your teeth is uncomfortable, there are several different types of floss to choose from. The different kinds of dental floss include waxed and un-waxed nylon floss, dental tape, disposable flossers, electric flossers, water flossers, and brushes.
Mouthwash, a Good Habit for Healthy Teeth
The third habit to include in your daily routine is rinsing with mouthwash that contains fluoride. The mouthwash, also called a mouth rinse, can remove any left-over food particles in between and in the crevices of your teeth.
The fluoride in the mouthwash also helps strengthen your tooth enamel. The enamel is the hard outside layer of the tooth that protects the soft tissues and the roots of the tooth inside.
Eating Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods daily can help strengthen your teeth, gums, and boost your immune system. Foods for healthy teeth are the same foods for a healthy body. These foods include fruits and vegetables, dairy, grains, lean meats, and plenty of water.
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots can help keep your teeth clean and add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your diet. Foods high in calcium including yogurt, cheese, and almonds help build strong bones and teeth. Lean meats are a good source of protein to help strengthen both your teeth and gums.
Regular Dental Visits
Visiting your dentist twice a year for check-ups is the last way you can keep your teeth healthy. Regular dental check-ups include examinations and cleanings. A dental examination can help your dentist determine the overall health of your mouth and teeth. Your dentist can identify any irregularities that could potentially become an issue and take care of it long before it progresses into a health problem.
A dentist once stated, “The most important service a dental office can provide is a complete, thorough dental examination, including a thorough written and oral dental-medical history.”
Your oral hygiene routine should include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your dentist for exams twice a year. These are the 5 good habits to ensure your teeth stay strong and healthy for a lifetime.