Between your dental appointments, it is imperative to consider how your habits impact your oral health.Our bodies are an interconnected system which functions best when we pay attention to every piece. Here are some ways you can maintain your oral health between dental checkups.
1. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing
Regular brushing helps prevent harmful plaque and gingivitis. Don’t forget to brush before bed and in the morning. We find that many patients often neglect one or the other. Ensuring you brush before bed mitigates the bacteria that can develop while we sleep, and eliminate food particles and plaque build up from the day. Brushing in the morning eliminates any harmful bacteria that can continue to thrive throughout the day.
Flossing is an integral part of your dental hygiene. There are many accessible ways for anyone from children to seniors to benefit from flossing, your dentist can help you find the product that is right for you. Flossing removes plaque and food from the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and strengthens your gums.
2. Avoid sugary & acid
Foods and beverages which contain sugar, like candy and alcohol, are bad for your pearly whites. Sugar is converted by oral bacteria into acid, which erodes the enamel of your teeth, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Foods and beverages which are already acidic, like fruits, teas, and coffee, do the same. Always ensure you’re regularly brushing, flossing, and being mindful of the effect your diet has on your teeth.
3. Don’t forget your tongue
The same harmful bacteria and plaque that thrives on our teeth also live on our tongues. Brushing your tongue should be a regular part of your oral care routine. Softy brush your tongue with your toothbrush, or talk to your dentist about safe and effective tongue scraping tools to add to your routine.
4. Drink more water
Drinking water is imperative to your overall health. Not only does water help to eliminate food particles from your teeth and mouth, it is also alkaline! This means, consuming water after your meal or a cup of coffee can help to reduce the harmful effect of sugars and acids on your teeth. Consistent hydration is one of the most overlooked yet most important factors in your oral health and overall wellness.
5. Eat a variety of vegetables
Veggies contain important fibre but they are also healthy for your teeth! The crunchier the better—chewing crunchy raw vegetables exercises the jaw and provides important stimulation to the teeth and gums, all while delivering tooth-strengthening nutrients to your body such as calcium, vitamins D C K and A, potassium, and phosphorus
Schedule your next check up
While we sometimes neglect to think about it, our oral health and our overall health are connected. At Midtown dental, we are always here to answer your questions and help you develop habits that benefit your oral health. Schedule your next check up and talk to us about healthy habits to maintain your oral health.
