Daily habits are an important component for maintaining optimum oral health. Practicing the simplest daily activities can be helpful for the well-being of your teeth and gums and aid in preventing dental issues. The following are the top ten simple daily habits that will allow you to maintain a bright and healthy smile while promoting excellent oral hygiene near you.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth is a major habit for your mouth’s health. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and another before sleeping. Utilize a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste because they harden the enamel of the teeth, which prevents cavities. Brush all surfaces of the teeth: front, back, and top, adequately for about two minutes.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing helps to clean the surfaces where your brush cannot reach. While eating, if the food particle is stuck between teeth, it can cause plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that can result in cavities and lead to gum disease, another serious issue if left untreated. Flossing daily can help you remove the plaque from your mouth and maintain good oral hygiene.
How to Floss:
- Take a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth.
- Curve the floss around each tooth, then move it up and down around each tooth.
- Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
3. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash removes bacteria from the mouth, refreshes breath, and prevents gum disease. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride, as it adds an extra layer of protection. After flossing and brushing, do some swish with mouthwash. You can follow the instructions on the bottle to use a mouthwash.
4. Have a Balanced Diet
What you eat affects your oral health, so following a balanced diet will keep the teeth and gums strong. Good foods for teeth are those that are rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits and vegetables, which are important to be included in your daily diet. The intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt is essential to maintaining teeth’s optimal health.
5. Drink Sufficient Water
Water cleans the food and bacteria left in your teeth after a meal. In addition, adequate intake of water prevents serious dental problems like tooth decay, gum diseases, and others. Another benefit associated with drinking water is that it helps to keep your mouth moist. If you are not able to drink enough water, this can make your mouth dry, giving you bad breath and eventually causing tooth decay.
6. Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco products, such as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, can affect your oral health. Tobacco causes diseases in the gums and bad breath, and it can also lead to oral cancer. It also stains teeth and dries the mouth out.
How to Quit Tobacco:
- Consult a dentist for guidance.
- Use nicotine replacement products like patches or gum.
- Seek help from friends and family members.
7. Protect Teeth with a Mouthguard While Playing Sports
While playing contact sports, there is a high risk of injury. In that case, wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your teeth. You can prevent injury to teeth and gums by wearing mouthguards for sports like football, hockey, basketball, and more.
8. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visits to the dentist regularly are important as they examine you for cavities, gum diseases, and oral cancer. They will also clean your teeth to eliminate the plaque and tartar from your mouth, which you can’t do at home. If you are looking for pediatric dentistry near you for your child, then choose wisely the right one who can diagnose oral health issues effectively.
How Often to Visit:
- Visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
- In case of discomfort with teeth, visit your dentist immediately.
9. Use a Straw for Sugary Drinks
If you consume drinks, like soda or juice, often use a straw. Drinking with a straw minimizes the contact of sugary liquids and teeth and reduces the risk of cavities. It is a simple way to enjoy your favourite drinks while looking after your teeth.
10. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free chewing gum can protect your teeth after meals. These gums increase the saliva flow inside your mouth, helping to clean food particles and neutralize the acids that bacteria have derived from them.
Make Oral Habits Part of Your Daily Routine
Following the ten daily habits mentioned above will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. Make these habits part of your daily routine, and you will be on your way to optimal oral health.
Contact Bumble Kids Pediatric Dentistry Today!
Bumble Kids Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to delivering exceptional care in a friendly, child-friendly atmosphere. At our clinic, we have a team of pediatricians who specialize in effectively treating children in a comfortable environment. Our staff is friendly, and they will make your child feel at ease and have a great time in the clinic. Visit our clinic today to maintain optimal oral hygiene in Noblesville!