Taking care of teeth shouldn’t end just at brushing. Proper dental care involves many other steps that need to be taken to maintain optimum oral health. As we approach 2023 and start setting new year’s resolutions, it’s important to remember that dental care should be one of our top priorities.
1. Choose an Electric Toothbrush: While manual toothbrushes are great, electric toothbrushes have been shown to be more effective, remove plaque better, and reduce gingivitis over time. An electric toothbrush is an easy way to help ensure that your teeth are clean and healthy in the new year. The most important aspect of dental hygiene is brushing. Make sure to brush twice a day – morning and night – with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It is also recommended to brush for a full two minutes each time. Spend 30 seconds to one minute brushing each quadrant of your mouth, ensuring you thoroughly clean each area. Avoid Sugary Drinks: Carbonated and sugary drinks can be unhealthy for your teeth and can lead to a buildup of cavities and tooth decay. Regardless of how tasty they may be, avoiding sugary drinks is the best way to go. Choosing healthier beverages like water, milk, and ginger tea can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
2. Take Time to Floss: Flossing can be tedious, but it still needs to be done. Flossing gets rid of those food particles and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. Be sure to take the time to floss once a day for maximum dental care. Flossing can be a tedious task but it is essential for removing plaque and preventing decay. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of bacteria, food particles and saliva. This can harden and form tartar, making it more difficult to remove and leading to increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing is the best way to remove plaque and save your teeth from further damage. Use a Tongue Scraper: Your tongue can be a major contributor to bad breath and decaying teeth. Scraping your tongue on a regular basis can help reduce this problem and result in improved dental health. Tongue scrapers can be purchased at most drugstores and can help keep your mouth clean and fresh.
3. Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Regular visits to your dentist are necessary for optimal dental health and the prevention of cavities and other oral problems. Scheduling a dental exam twice a year will help keep your teeth in top condition. Regular visits to the dentist are important for maintaining good dental health. The dentist will be able to check for any early signs of problems and provide treatment before it becomes a bigger problem. They can also apply sealants, which are protective coatings used to keep bacteria from seeping into grooves in the teeth and causing cavities. Scheduling bi-annual checkups with your dentist will ensure that your dental hygiene is up-to-date and any potential issues are addressed before they become a problem. Avoid Habits that Harm Your Teeth: Chewing on ice, biting your nails, or grinding your teeth can all be damaging to the enamel of your teeth. If you are prone to these habits, take steps to correct the issue. Otherwise, your teeth may suffer in the long run.
