As more and more research connects oral health to significant medical conditions like cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, you know you want to step up your dental hygiene routine. You’re already likely doing the basics: brushing twice a day and (hopefully) flossing daily. So, what else can you do to limit the damage to your teeth and gums?
Taking care of your oral hygiene is more than a morning and evening project. Bacteria, sugar, acids, and other dangers lurk around every meal, snack, and accidental pen cap or fingernail chew you ingest daily. Luckily, you can minimize the impact they have on your oral health by following these five simple tips.
1. Brush Twice a Day, But Clean Between Meals
Like most people, you might start your morning by waking up, going to the bathroom, and brushing your teeth. This routine works well to remove the bacteria buildup from your overnight slumber, but what about the microorganisms and enamel decomposers that remain in your mouth throughout the day?
If your schedule permits a quick toothbrush break, carry a travel soft toothbrush and toothpaste, and give your mouth a scrub after sugary meals. Otherwise, rinse your mouth with water to remove extra food particles and debris, or pop in a piece of sugar-free gum and chew for a few minutes to increase the salivary glands, which naturally clean the mouth. You can also consider using Amazon oral probiotics to support a healthier oral microbiome and freshen your breath.
However, if your meal is acidic, wait about half an hour before brushing. Acids in food and beverages cause temporal enamel softening, and immediate brushing increases tooth decay risk.
2. Evaluate Your Toothbrush Health
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush (or, if you have an electric brush, the head)? With regular use, the bristles become worn and frayed, which reduces their effectiveness against removing bacteria. Experts suggest replacing your toothbrush (or head) every three months for the best results.
Speaking of getting a new toothbrush, what kind of bristles are you using? It might sound wise to get the medium and firm styles but opt for soft ones unless your dentist tells you otherwise. Medium and firm bristles can be abrasive, wearing away enamel and causing damage. Your gums and teeth need a gentle scrub—optimally, at a 45-degree angle in small, circular movements.
3. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Those regular trips to the dentist are for more than a vigorous deep cleaning. Having a specialist monitor your mouth for early signs of problems can help you nip gum and teeth issues in the bud before they become serious (read: painful and expensive to fix).
Talk to your dentist about anything out of the ordinary you might be noticing. Symptoms like jaw pain, morning headaches, neck discomfort, and daily fatigue could mean you’re grinding your teeth at night, a disorder called sleep bruxism. This article by JS Dental Lab explains what to watch out for if your jaw hurts when you chew or yawn and how to know if it’s time to head to the dentist for professional care.
Even if you don’t notice anything unusual, your dentist knows if you have flattened teeth, cracks or chips, or other visible signs. The sooner you know there’s a problem, the faster you can start working on fixing it! For bruxism, the solution to early grinding is often as simple as wearing a night guard when you sleep.
4. Use a Straw
When drinking sugary or acidic drinks, stick a straw in the cup and sip. Using a straw brings the liquid to the back of your throat and reduces the time your enamel is exposed to the beverage.
Sugar is an excellent food source for the bacteria that thrive in your mouth. These microorganisms break the sugar particles down and turn them into lactic acid, which dissolves the minerals in enamel and leads to tooth decay.
This dentist in Greenbelt adds that frequent use of a straw can help minimize staining from dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. This simple habit reduces direct contact with your front teeth, preserving their natural whiteness and preventing discoloration over time.
5. Do Enjoy Certain Foods More Than Others
Instead of thinking about what you can’t eat to keep your teeth and gums healthy, focus on the wonderful foods you can increase for whiter, stronger teeth!
Start with raw, fiber-rich foods like carrots, apples, lettuce, and celery. If you enjoy dipping them, try peanut butter or your favorite dressing. These foods can remove built-up plaque and scrub teeth.
Other vitamin-packed foods help your gum tissue and immune system and strengthen your enamel. For nutrients, add more cheese, milk, yogurt, and nuts, and enjoy a cup of green tea for extra catechins, which fight inflammation and kill bacteria.
Conclusion
Boosting your oral hygiene routine is a 24-hour job, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Clean your mouth frequently, change your toothbrush regularly, visit your dentist as directed, use a straw, and watch what you eat and drink. With these five simple habits in place, better dental health is right around the corner!
