It's important to see your dentist on a regular basis to maintain good oral health, but to keep your teeth and gums in the best condition possible, it's important to maintain a daily routine at home too. Oral hygiene, diet, and other habits, all make a big difference and are an important first line of defense in the battle against tooth decay and gum disease. Remember that while your teeth are very strong and durable, they are still vulnerable to certain kinds of damage, so follow these tips to keep them in good shape.
Healthy Teeth and Gums Begin at Home
Brushing and flossing
When it comes to home oral health care, there's nothing more important than a good oral hygiene routine. Bacteria are always present in your mouth, and to prevent them from damaging your teeth and gums, twice-daily brushing and daily flossing are vital.
Ideally, you'll brush in the morning and again at last thing at night. When you brush, use circular motions over your teeth, and gently brush along your gum line as well. For best results, replace your toothbrush every three months.
Another good habit to adopt is the use of an antiseptic mouthwash. The best time to use mouthwash is after brushing, as this ensures the antiseptic ingredients are active for the longest time possible.
Eating an oral-friendly diet
Even if you have a great oral hygiene routine, there may still be more you can do to protect your teeth and gums. One important aspect of good oral health is your diet. High-sugar foods are the ideal food for plaque-forming bacteria, so limiting your consumption of these foods is important for healthy teeth and gums.
Instead, try to choose foods that are low in sugar and simple carbohydrates, and high in fiber. Crisp, crunchy foods such as celery, carrots, and other veggies are ideal, as the tough fiber helps to scrape plaque from the teeth as you bite and chew. Chewing also promotes saliva production, which helps to promote a healthy oral environment.
Avoiding bad habits
Certain habits can be harmful to the teeth, too. One of the worst culprits is the use of teeth as tools for biting or chewing things that aren't food—for instance, using the teeth to tear something open, to cut a thread, or to unpick a knot.
If you’re a smoker or use other tobacco products, cutting down or quitting can also help protect your teeth. This is because smoking reduces blood oxygen levels, and this causes symptoms of gum disease to progress more quickly than normal. Gum disease is very common in adults, and smokers have a much higher risk of developing severe gum disease.
For a Lifetime of Great Oral Health
To take good care of your teeth, use these simple tips as a guide. Remember to brush and floss regularly, use a good antiseptic mouthwash, and limit your intake of high-sugar foods. Avoid the bad habits that are destructive to the teeth, and you’ll be well on the way to safeguarding your oral health. For best results see your Lancaster dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral exams.