Good oral hygiene is about more than simply brushing your teeth and cleaning under the gumline. It’s about all the little things you do regularly to keep your mouth clean and healthy. If you’re looking for ways to improve your oral health, here are 5 small dental habits that make the biggest difference overall.
Brushing Properly
The way you brush your teeth is more important than how often and how much pressure you use. To brush the right way, move in gentle, circular motions at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line. Take care to brush the front, back and top of every tooth. This process should take approximately 3 minutes and be completed at least twice a day.
Using Fluoride
Contrary to some rumours floating around online, fluoride is an essential part of a healthy oral routine. Evidence shows that fluoride helps prevent cavities and strengthens the enamel. It works by fighting germs and provides a protective layer for your teeth.
Flossing Daily
You should treat flossing as just as important as brushing. Floss can remove the plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach. If you don’t floss, you are missing a large portion of your mouth and leaving yourself susceptible to gum disease. For a properly clean mouth, floss at least once a day by making a “C” shape around the base of each tooth and gently wiping from under the gumline to the tip.
Rinsing After Brushing
Another small habit that makes the biggest difference is rinsing with mouthwash after you brush your teeth. Mouthwash has many oral benefits. For one, it can reduce any acid in the mouth to prevent cavities and decay. The ingredients in mouthwash can also help to strengthen the teeth.
See Your Dentist At Least Twice A Year
Beyond practicing good dental hygiene every day, another habit that is crucial to your overall oral health is seeing your dentist regularly. At a minimum, you should visit them twice a year for a cleaning and inspection. This will ensure that any signs of cavities, gum disease, mouth cancer and other issues are caught early and treated.
Your smile and overall oral health depend on the small habits you do every single day. But what you do at home can only do so much. The rest is up to your dentist – tartar removal, cavity treatment, oral cancer detection, etc. If you haven’t had a checkup yet this year, contact us today at Yazdani Family Dentistry to book an appointment.
