Taking care of your oral hygiene should be done consistently rather than once in a while. Proper oral hygiene and care need daily maintenance. Although we recommend annual cleanings and checkups, various essential practices will help you maintain optimal oral health. Establishing an excellent homecare routine is crucial to eliminate plaque buildup and keeping gums healthy. Here are a few things that will ensure a healthy, clean, and long-lasting smile.
Floss Everyday
Flossing can eliminate bacteria and plaque from between your teeth, where toothbrushes cannot reach. Flossing can also prevent bad breath by removing food particles and debris trapped between your teeth. The best family dentists in Waterloo recommend gently pushing the floss down to your gumline before you hug the tooth side using up-and-down motions. You should also avoid snapping the floss up and down between your teeth, which may cause pain and won’t eliminate plaque effectively.
Eat Healthy
Your diet and lifestyle can significantly impact your overall mental and physical health. Therefore, it is no surprise that whatever you eat will substantially affect your oral health and hygiene. With the proper nutrition and diet, your body will get the elements necessary for regenerating body tissues, including gums, teeth, and mouth, and fighting disease or infection. Poor diets affect oral health and may lead to gum disease, tooth decay, enamel loss, discoloration, stains, and more. A well-balanced diet will help you maintain good oral hygiene. Ensure that you need crisp fruits and crunchy vegetables to help strengthen and clean your teeth. Your family dentist in Waterloo can recommend the best nutrition to maintain good oral health.
Brush Teeth More Than Once a Day
Brushing your teeth must be a well-established part of your everyday routine. Brushing your teeth properly will keep your teeth white and prevent serious issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and more. Ensure you brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice daily using a superior-quality toothbrush. Your toothbrush should have well-designed, soft bristles that enable you to reach all areas of your mouth. You should use professionally approved fluoride toothpaste and clean the teeth with the toothbrush angled at 45 degrees. You should gently brush back and forth on the surface of each gum area and tooth.
Drink Lots of Water
Sipping on juice, soda, or sugary drinks may cause a higher risk of cavities. Like harmful foods, drinking sugary and heavily acidic liquids will wear down your teeth’s enamel and may cause tooth decay or disease. You should also limit the number of sodas you drink as they contribute to high sugar levels in your teeth. Drinking more water, especially water containing fluoride, will dilute the acid and wash away the sugar residue from your teeth. Water will also prevent a lack of saliva or dry mouth that can lead to tooth decay. Ensure that you increase your water intake throughout the day and restrict the intake of sugar-sweetened drinks. If you can’t drink water containing fluoride as Dr. Husain for a fluoride rinse.
Schedule a Visit with Your Hygienist
Schedule routine exams and visits with your dentist, as they are essential for early detection. Everyone, including children, should see the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Routine visits will allow the dentist to pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas and eliminate plaque and tartar build-up. These regular visits to your hygienist will help you maintain excellent oral hygiene and address any issues as they arise such as various levels of decay, cavities, and more. Your family dentist in Waterloo will examine your teeth, gums, jaw, neck, and tongue. They will also provide tips and instructions for proper care to optimize dental health.
As you can see, these are just some of the critical components of improving and maintaining oral health. Ensure you see your dentist at least twice yearly for checkups and cleaning. A thorough analysis of your oral health will determine the presence of tooth decay or gum disease. Dr. Husain is your family dentist in Waterloo and will ensure you receive the best dental care in the most comfortable environment possible. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and have a Happy New Year!