Around 69 percent of American adults have lost at least one permanent tooth, which shows prioritizing our oral health is crucial.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to protecting our winning smile and feeling confident. Although keeping your teeth in good condition is overwhelming, there are small steps to take that will change your life. Perhaps you’re currently struggling with a good oral hygiene routine and you’re looking for inspiration.
Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five tips on how to improve your oral hygiene.
1. Buy an Electric Toothbrush
Everyone in cosmetic dentistry swears by an electric toothbrush. Not only does it save time but you’re guaranteed a thorough clean, which will ward off gum diseases and problems later down the line. A bonus is you needn’t worry about brushing back and forth, simply guide the brush and move once the two-minute timer alerts you.
Further, start by brushing at the back so you clean the teeth better. If these places go overlooked, you may miss debris that can cause gum diseases.
2. Add Mouthwash to Your Routine
Whether you’re straightening teeth or maintaining good dental health, patients should add mouthwash to their routine. Once you finish brushing and flossing, use mouthwash to swill any debris you’ve overlooked. Or, if you don’t have any handy, chew sugar-free gum as it reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth.
3. Floss Daily
When you next visit the dentist’s office, grab floss or an interdental cleaner as it removes plaque that contains bacteria. If this stays in your mouth, it releases acidic that can erode the enamel and cause cavities. As a general rule, floss twice a day after your brush for best results.
4. Limit Your Sugar Intake
Eating sugary food regularly can have a devastating effect on your teeth. Because of this, you should reduce your sugar intake by avoiding hard candy, or sticky gummies that can stay wedged in between your teeth. Instead, whenever you have a craving, treat yourself to several squares of dark chocolate as it melts quickly and doesn’t stay in your mouth as long.
5. Visit the Dentist Twice a Year
Going to the dentist twice a year is crucial for maintaining good oral health. During a check-up, the dentist can look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other potential issues. A dental hygienist will also deep-clean your teeth which is impossible to achieve with a regular toothbrush.
And if you’re interested in procedures to improve your teeth’s aesthetic, click for a cosmetic dentist to learn more.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Today
Hopefully, after reading this article, you know how to improve your oral hygiene.
Start by buying an electric toothbrush, add mouthwash to your daily routine, and floss daily to remove unwanted debris. You should also reduce the amount of sugar you consume and visit a dentist twice a year to protect your teeth. Good luck!
Found this article helpful? Great! Then check out the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks.
