Today we’re talking all about dental health. Oftentimes, we’ll see teeth that certainly look the part, but are riddled with problems that require additional treatment. Treatment that could’ve been avoided had the patient stayed on top of their daily dental routine a little more. So, with that in mind, we’ve put together some of our top tips that can improve your dental health that’ll leave you with a healthy, natural smile.
Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes
The NHS recommends that you brush your teeth twice per day for at least two minutes. Brushing on an evening is especially important as throughout the day, there’ll have been a buildup of food in your mouth which makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. By brushing at the end of the day, you can ensure you’re removing any excess food and bacteria in your mouth.
Invest in an Electric Toothbrush
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to use an electric toothbrush you’ll likely be all too aware of the difference it makes to your mouth. When used correctly it can almost feel the same as after you’ve had a hygienist checkup. Electric toothbrushes are great for getting into hard to reach places and under the gum line. Many of them also come with pressure sensors and timers so you can ensure you’re giving your teeth the perfect clean and achieve optimal dental health.
For Optimal Dental Health Floss Daily
This is something that many people tend to miss or do sporadically as opposed to twice per day after brushing. But flossing is essential for removing plaque and food that’s stuck in your teeth and has a myriad of benefits. If left, the plaque will begin to build up and cause tooth decay, usually in the places that are hard to get to like between your teeth.
Get Regular Checkups
Regular dental checkups ensure that your dental health is in tip-top shape. Your dentist will be able to do X-rays to check everything is looking good and have the hygienist come in and give you a thorough clean of your teeth to make sure there’s no pesky plaque hidden in hard to reach places. Regular checkups also ensure that any problems are caught early and can be treated before it escalates into a more serious problem.
Use a Suitable Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Most kinds of toothpaste have similar ingredients, however, it’s always best practice to check that the toothpaste contains Fluoride as this is known to help strengthen your teeth. Additionally, ingredients such as baking soda, Zinc Citrate, Triclosan or Sodium Pyrophosphate can actively prevent plaque buildup for as long as 12 hours.
Mouthwash is also a great way to ensure optimal dental health, as it rinses away anything that the toothbrush or floss was unable to pick up. If you’re suffering from the early signs of gum disease, some brands of mouthwash can specifically target that too.
Cut Back on the Sugar
The bacteria in our mouth, just like us, love sugar. However, when the bacteria absorb the sugar they produce an acid that can begin to cause small cavities in your enamel and eventually lead to tooth decay. Consuming less sugar will not only help with your oral hygiene, but it’s also better for your overall health too so it’s a win-win.
Cut Back on Cigarettes/Vaping
Not only can tobacco stain your teeth and is awful for your lungs, but vaping can also wreak havoc with your oral hygiene. Both smoking and vaping can dry out your mouth which can accelerate tooth decay. Your saliva naturally has properties in it that can combat the bacteria that live in your mouth and by vaping, your saliva is reduced leaving you more susceptible to decay. Also, the ingredients in vape juice have been found to weaken your tooth enamel and cause inflammation to your gums too which can make them more prone to issues and can lead to bad dental health.
Once you’ve mastered your dental health routine, you may want to consider some cosmetic treatments to amplify your smile like teeth whitening. Over time stains on your teeth can build up especially if you’re an avid coffee and tea drinker. Sometimes brushing won’t quite get rid of all the stains so a treatment like a laser whitening could suit you perfectly and is a rapid way to transform your smile.