A bright and healthy smile is like a cheerful welcome sign, making a great first impression. However, there is an even more crucial reason to be vigilant in our approach to personal oral hygiene.
We learn more every day about the way our oral health impacts the body. A possible link has been identified between bacteria that originates in our mouths and systemic diseases. Only by making oral hygiene a priority can we maximize the benefits of a healthy and attractive smile.
Here are seven important habits to include when caring for your smile.
- Using the Right Tools - You should choose a toothbrush with a head small enough to navigate hard to reach areas, including the crevices of your molars, where food debris can accumulate. To ensure quality, the ADA seal should appear on your toothpaste tube, toothbrush, and floss packaging. A motorized toothbrush is recommended for children and those with conditions that affect small motor skills, such as arthritis.
- Brush Properly for Two Minutes in the Morning and at Night - The ADA recommends tilting your toothbrush toward the gum line and using tooth-length motions across the fronts and tops of your teeth. To thoroughly clean the backs of teeth, hold the brush vertically and use shorter strokes. Brush for two minutes to ensure proper coverage and cleaning.
- Floss Properly Every Day - Start with a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Use a new area of floss for every tooth to prevent spreading bacteria. The floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a 'C' shape when wrapped around each tooth.
Keep Your Toothbrush in Prime Condition - Rinse your toothbrush with hot water after use and allow it to air dry. For those with gum disease, this is especially important, as dirty bristles can deposit bacteria into the now exposed tiny blood vessels in soft-tissue. This harmful bacteria can travel to other parts of your body and trigger illnesses or complications. You should also replace your toothbrush every three months both for cleanliness and to make sure the bristles are effective.- Use a Mouthwash or Dental Rinse - Mouthwashes reach into nooks and crannies that collect debris and combat the effects of decay-causing bacteria. Many available options can meet the needs of individuals with unique dental issues. Be sure to look for the ADA seal on these products as well.
- Make Healthy Choices - When snacking, remember the effect your choice has on the health of your smile. Brush, or at least rinse your mouth with water, after eating sweets. When drinking acidic beverages, rinse immediately and be sure not to brush until after 30 minutes to prevent any acid-worn enamel from being wiped away. Always drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and to help rinse away additional food particles.
- See the Dentist Twice a Year - Even with your renewed home oral hygiene routine, you still need regular cleanings and exams. These cleanings remove tartar that can contribute to gum disease and tooth discoloration. Having your smile examined every six months also prevents early decay from causing serious structural damage and dental emergencies.
Total Dentistry Provides Complete Dental Care
Semi-annual visits to the dentist along with proper oral hygiene should be part of everyone’s routine and can benefit both your smile and your overall health. The entire team at Total Dentistry is committed to helping you maintain, enhance, and restore your smile. Call us today!