Let’s face it, going to the dentist isn’t on most people’s top ten list of favorite things to do. But it’s worse if you have poor oral health. That’s why it’s so important to take the best care of your oral health between dental visits. If you can do that, it’s more likely your dental visit will go quickly and painlessly. To help out, we’ve put together these tips on how to improve your oral health between dentist visits.
Floss Every Day
You’ve heard it a million times, but daily flossing is one of the best ways to improve your oral health. Flossing dislodges food and plaque that gets stuck between your teeth.
Once you dislodge that debris, you can then brush your teeth to remove it from your mouth. Unfortunately, brushing alone can’t get that debris lodged between the teeth very easily, so that’s why you need to floss.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day to Improve Your Oral Health
Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time is the minimum you need to improve your oral health. It’s not a bad idea, either, to brush after every meal. However, it’s best to do it at least twice a day.
It’s also important to brush correctly. You should be using a toothbrush that is comfortable in your hand and in your mouth, with soft bristles. You should hold the head at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface and brush every side of each tooth by moving the head in a circular motion.
Use a Therapeutic Mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwashes have active ingredients that can help prevent various oral diseases. You want to look for brands that carry the ADA seal of acceptance.
You should also look for brands with fluoride and ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. These are antibacterial in nature and will help reduce both plaque and gingivitis.
Avoid Foods with High Sugar Content
It’s old advice, but it’s true. Foods with high sugar content promote tooth decay. Avoiding those kinds of foods, including candy, soda, and certain starches, will help reduce plaque and tooth decay.
The types of food that promote oral health include fiber-rich vegetables, dairy products, and fatty fish, like salmon.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, you’re much more likely to develop periodontal and gum disease. This is because smoking weakens your body’s immune system and decreases bone density.
Regular smoking habits leave you less able to fend off the bacteria in your mouth that can cause tooth decay. With bones weakened by smoking, it’s easier for tooth loss to occur as a result of gum disease. Additionally, smoking is linked to oral cancer as well as lung cancer, so this is one lifestyle change that will benefit your health in every way.
Get a Checkup Today!
Regular checkups are also important in taking good care of your oral health. Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to make an appointment today, so we can help you keep your smile bright! And follow these tips for better oral health between visits.