There is nothing more off-putting than bad oral hygiene and terrible breath. Even worse is learning that your poor oral habits have resulted in some of the most painful conditions that are hard to treat, such as gingivitis. According to the 2022 WHO status report, oral disease impacts more than 3 billion people worldwide; these numbers are only expected to rise.
But there is a way out; by adopting easy habits, you can ensure that your oral hygiene is up to mark and save your teeth from getting impacted in the long run. If you’re ready to adopt a better lifestyle and improve the way you look after your teeth, here’s what you need to know:
Get Into The Habit of Visiting A Dentist
A dentist can examine your mouth thoroughly and let you know if you have potential infections or dental complications you may be dealing with. Even if you regularly brush your teeth, you may have undetected issues. For instance, you may have crooked molar teeth, a slight overbite, or crowded teeth that may prevent you from brushing as deeply as you should. By getting into the habit of visiting a dentist, you can explore these conditions and get them treated right away.
If you’re uncertain how to find the best dentist to fit the right braces in your teeth, you should look up medical expertise. Access to dental care has improved in many areas in recent years. For example, North Carolina has seen a 14.4% increase in the number of dentists per 100,000 population between 2010 and 2020. This increase has contributed to better access to dental care and maintaining overall oral health within the state.
So, if you live in North Carolina, you can take advantage of this growth in dental professionals by searching for “braces near me in Wake Forest & Clayton, NC,” and let the search engine match you with the best dentist. Ideally, stick to dentists near your area since you must visit them frequently to get your braces examined and tightened without missing an appointment.
Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
Food and microscopic particles gradually build up on your teeth, causing them to become discolored and eventually causing plaque to form over your teeth. However, brushing can sweep away this debris and remove the plaque from settling around your teeth. It is recommended that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes using a small circular motion as it gets rid of buildup.
Make sure you’re gentle in your movement since vigorous brushing can cause your gums to bleed and damage the soft tissue around your jaws. As you brush, don’t forget to address your tongue and ensure you also give this organ a thorough scrub. Although most people brush their teeth before breakfast, you should always clean your teeth after a hearty meal to immediately eliminate the soft food substances.
Likewise, never go to bed without brushing. You should get an electric brush if you have sensitive teeth and need assistance guiding the toothbrush around your mouth.
Become Habitual With Flossing
Your teeth have tiny gaps between them where food and bacteria can settle. These tight spaces are also complex for your toothbrush to reach, which allows the food substance to decay and cause cavities gradually. It is a common misconception to believe that brushing is enough to keep your oral standards up to mark. Even if you frequently brush your teeth, there’s always a chance you may miss a spot and increase the probability of tooth decay. Flossing can be uncomfortable at first, but steadily, your gums will get used to the sensation. If you want a gentler option for your mouth, use a Waterpik flosser to clean between your teeth.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your health but also harmful to your teeth. The nicotine and tar in your cigarette can stain your teeth, giving them a yellowish hue. At the same time, smoking can give you bad breath and cause the smell of tobacco to linger in your mouth, which doesn’t leave a good impression on the people around you. So if you’re a frequent smoker, you must eliminate this habit. Breaking the cycle is not easy, but it is necessary. Smoking may also cause gum diseases which can alter the size and shape of your gum, causing them to become highly inflamed for a long time.
Prolonged usage may impact your teeth, causing them to become loose and weak. Following this information, the best way to bounce back from this codependent habit is by getting rid of your cigarettes and focusing on reclaiming your oral health. There is special toothpaste available for smokers. These are generally more abrasive than regular toothpaste because they’re used to remove hardened plaques. Once you’re done brushing your teeth, you should use mouth fresheners to remove any residual smell of tobacco from your breath.
Improve Your Diet
Your food plays a vital role in your health. The nutrients you get from your meals strengthen your teeth and reduce the infection risk. You should include more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to keep the saliva flowing and prevent bacteria from staying stagnant on your teeth. Saliva also contains minute quantities of calcium and phosphate, which restore the minerals to your teeth.
Furthermore, dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt also encourage saliva production. The vitamins from these products also rebuild your enamel and shield your tooth against bacteria. If you like drinking tea, you must have more green and black teas. Both these beverages contain polyphenols that destroy plaques. Consequently, the bacteria cannot make acid and attack your teeth, leading to decay and rotting. Go easy on sugary drinks, starchy meals, alcohol, and flavored juices, as these provide the ideal condition for bacteria to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Neglecting your dental hygiene can make your teeth vulnerable to various diseases and conditions that can weaken them. If you do end up with an infection, it can be both difficult and painful to recover from. Similarly, the bacteria in your mouth can harm your breath and teeth color, potentially leading to oral health issues. To avoid these problems, take charge of your health by regularly visiting the dentist, brushing and flossing your teeth, and maintaining a healthy diet. Quitting harmful habits like smoking can also yield long-term benefits for your teeth’s health.
