Many of us seek expensive treatment to ensure our smile looks its best, but the good news is your oral hygiene requires very little out of your pocket. Maintaining the health and appearance of your teeth simply means making a more conscious effort at home. To learn how you can make the most out of your oral hygiene routine continue reading these six tips below.
Consider Your Food Choices
For the longest time, we have been told how important our eating habits are regarding our health. Everyone knows sodas, candy and chocolate are not the healthiest choices but how many of us know that they also cause tooth decay? Foods filled with sugars and starches, like pizza or chips may be the culprit the next time your Cranbrook dentist says you have a cavity. Instead, substitute them with low sugar and high fiber options such as fresh fruit and vegetables. The fiber in fruits and vegetables contains natural cleaning properties that reduce the harmful effects of sugar on the teeth. Vegetables like spinach and broccoli contain folic acid and calcium that promote strong teeth and bones. Replace your soda with unsweetened juice rich in vitamin C or milk which contains calcium and Vitamin B 12 for stronger gums.
Rinse With Salt Water
Gargling for a few minutes maintains the natural pH of your throat and mouth. This also maintains the natural bacteria in your mouth and eliminates unwanted bacteria to reduce your risk of infection. Add a simple saltwater gargle during your oral hygiene routine for some health benefits.
Brush And Floss Regularly
This is another step that almost everyone knows about but the reality is, we all skip it from time to time. When we do this, we increase our risk of developing a cavity or more serious conditions like gum disease. In addition, many of us do not brush our teeth properly or for long enough. Regularly brushing and flossing reduces plaque buildup and gum infection. Flossing, on the other hand, removes plaque in the areas your toothbrush cannot reach like the gum line and the crevices between the teeth. When you are brushing it is best to do so using a soft-bristled brush, holding it at a 45-degree angle. Also, you should brush the chewing surface of the teeth first using circular and back and forth motions.
Scrape Your Tongue
Reach for your tongue scraper every morning when you wake up. This is a simple yet significant practice that removes residual food particles on your tongue and stimulates your digestive process. You can find a tongue scraper at your local drugstore in the same section toothbrushes are carried.
Regular Dental Visits
This is another tip people intentionally skip out on or forget to add to their calendar. A Cranbrook dentist can detect early signs of periodontal disease, oral cancer, tooth infections, cavities, and other issues. Now you may think that they are only concerned with the health of your teeth, but this is not the case. He or she is also able to detect signs of overall systemic diseases that have long-term effects on your body. Visit your Cranbrook Dental Clinic biannually for a dental cleaning and check-up.
Oil Pulling
This ancient practice offers many benefits to your oral health. It involves the swishing of oil back and forth in your mouth for several minutes. Add this step to your oral hygiene routine to prevent tooth decay, gum inflammation, gingivitis and strengthen your jaw muscles. An added benefit of oil pulling is that it whitens your teeth naturally.