Incorporate These 4 Dental Habits for Better Oral Health
At California Dental Group, we can help you with just about any dental issue you have. That said, our goal is to help you prevent dental issues before they start. Following good oral health habits is important to reducing your chance of gum disease, cavity, bad breath, and other oral health issues. By simply incorporation these four dental habits, you can significantly improve your oral health.
- Brush at least twice a day
- Flossing
- Eat a balanced diet
- Chew sugar-free gum
Brushing your teeth has many benefits. First and foremost, it removes bacteria that can result in gum disease, bad breath, and other issues. To brush properly, start with a soft-bristled toothbrush that properly fits your mouth. You want to make sure that it is long enough to easily reach every area of your mouth. Use fluoride toothpaste that’s been approved by the ADA. That seal from the ADA will assure you that the American Dental Association has approved it as being both safe and effective.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle in front of your gums. Move your toothbrush back and forth using short strokes being sure that you’re not pushing too hard. Be sure to brush your entire mouth. You want to get the outer surfaces of your teeth, as well as the back of your teeth. Make sure you’re also getting the surface of your teeth that chews.
If there’s one thing we wish every patient would know it’s that flossing isn’t an extra thing to do – it’s just as important as brushing. It gets rid of food particles that otherwise would simply be stuck between your teeth. The floss is able to get to parts of your teeth that your brush isn’t able to get to.
The best way to floss is to start with a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Leave an inch or two at the ends to work with and then wrap it around your pointer fingers. Gently follow floss, following the curves of your teeth. You want to clean beneath the gum line but you don’t want to grate the floss along the gum.
The foods you eat can have a big impact on the health of your teeth. Stick with foods that are rich in fiber, like fruits and veggies, because they can help not only improve your oral health but keep you healthy overall. Snacks that are fiber rich include apples, carrots, and celery. These foods are also rich in vitamins, which helps improve saliva flow. This is also important for overall good oral health. The vitamins in them, specifically vitamins C and A, also help build tooth enamel.
Every time you eat or drink something, plaque has the chance to produce acid, which can eventually ruin your smile. If you’re not able to brush after each meal, chewing sugar-free gum is the next best option. It will increase your flow of saliva, which helps neutralize the acid.
Of course, these habits require you to visit your dentist every six months if you want to maintain good oral health. Reach out to us at (800) 407-0161 to set an appointment.
