Maintaining a healthy smile can be challenging, but if you can, there is no better feeling! Good oral hygiene serves more benefits than just physical health; it adds to your aesthetics and boosts your confidence.
Unfortunately, as the CDC reports, one in every four adults in the United States suffers from untreated dental cavities.
But in today’s day and age, there’s a solution to every dental problem. As more and more people take oral health seriously, the number of practicing dentists also increases. The number of practicing dentists in Washington increased by 8.5% between 2007 and 2016.
Moreover, if you reside in a city like Kirkland, you’ll have access to world-class dentists at reasonable rates. This fact is enough for you to take oral health seriously and book an appointment asap.
Remember, maintaining healthy teeth requires more than regular brushing; if you know what to do, getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted is easy.
The following are some most crucial elements of a good oral care routine:
- Correct alignment with orthodontic treatments
A misaligned jaw, irregular teeth, or an under or over-bite are issues that take away from that picture-perfect smile you’ve yearned for. Today there are many solutions to the problem, from traditional braces to clear aligners.
Braces have always been the popular go-to solution for children, but even adults can get braces. They are porcelain or metallic archwire with brackets and rubber bands. The only problem with this solution is that it has an unappealing appearance. Clear aligners are a good alternative for adults who care about aesthetics.
Either way, your misaligned teeth don’t always have to look the way they do. Visit an orthodontist near you by searching for Orthodontist services in Kirkland.
2. Brush regularly
It sounds redundant to hear that brushing twice daily is a must, but it’s a rule we can’t ignore. With the number of sugary foods and carbohydrates we habitually consume, not brushing twice a day is a recipe for plaque and cavities.
If you followed the 2×2 rule (brushing twice a day for two minutes each), ensure you continue practicing it. Why? Because when food particles remain on and between your teeth after a meal or a snack, bacteria that are naturally present in the mouth feed on them and produce acid damaging the enamel.
Also, mere brushing is not enough; it is also vital that you follow the proper technique. Brush in small circular motions and reach each tooth’s front and back. Moreover, refrain from back-and-forth motions and avoid using a hard-bristled brush as it damages the gums and the enamel.
3. Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride
Good dental health and fluoride go hand in hand. Most kinds of toothpaste contain fluoride, and advertisements emphasize this. The reason is that fluoride is an essential ingredient in preventing tooth decay.
This naturally occurring mineral is highly beneficial for teeth, especially during the growing stage. It is essential in preventing and treating tooth decay and dental cavities.
There is a need for dentists to emphasize the use of fluoride, both in toothpaste and in drinking water. Many countries have started recognizing the importance of fluoride for dental health, which is why 46% of residents in Washington get fluoridated drinking water.
4. Floss regularly
While it is true that flossing is not as emphasized as brushing and is often completely neglected in childhood, it is just as important as brushing. Brushing and flossing together ensure that all the areas on and surrounding the teeth are cleaned; flossing removes what a brush can’t.
To floss correctly, you should move your floss down to the gum line, hugging the sides of the tooth, and move it in an up-and-down motion. This motion can damage the gums, cause pain, and lead to bleeding if you’re not careful.
5. Visit the dentist regularly
Just like routine health checks are a must for disease prevention in childhood, you must schedule regular appointments with the dentist to maintain good oral health. Experts suggest that visiting the dentist at least every six months is best.
In a routine check, the specialist will remove plaque and hardened tartar, giving your teeth a fresh and squeaky-clean appearance that regular brushing alone cannot achieve. The dentist will also look for signs of gum disease, mouth cancer, or cavities. Early identification can save you a lot of hassle, time, and effort if you are late.
Other than dental problems, some conditions like osteoporosis, HIV, cancer, glandular fever, or diabetes also leave signs in the mouth that a routine check can identify in time before the problem escalates.
Final words
Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it, which holds true for getting the picture-perfect smile. You are not far from a beautiful smile if you know what to do and follow a good dental care routine.
Look for orthodontist treatments for misalignment, brush, and floss daily, use fluoride toothpaste, and visit the dentist regularly. You will see a positive change in no time!
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