It’s no secret that it is much better to maintain your oral health than it is to live in a”fight or flight” mode by having to constantly respond to dental issues. The key is to understand what is necessary to sustain your oral health and then to take the appropriate actions.
To assist in your search for strong teeth and gums, a dentist in Tryon has compiled a list of the 8 most impactful habits for dental wellness. Read on to get the information that you need, and prepare yourself to take action today!
TRY AND KEEP BACTERIA UNDER CONTROL
The primary enemy of healthy teeth and gums are oral bacteria, as they are the leading cause of cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. These microorganisms are always present in your mouth, nonetheless, they are most active after you eat a meal or drink a beverage (other than water). Thus, to keep them at bay, it is a must to practice consistent and outstanding oral hygiene.
TOOTHBRUSHING — THE TWO AND TWO RULE
If you’re seeking to get the most out of your toothbrushing, then you need to adhere to the”two and two” rule: to brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least two times a day. This can help to keep persistent bacteria under control.
DON’T NEGLECT FLOSSING
If you brush your teeth, you are technically only able to clean around 60 percent of the surface. To get to the rest of the area, flossing is required.
The flexible material allows you to navigate the tight spaces between your teeth where bacteria like to conceal. As a general rule of thumb, you should floss every time you brush your teeth.
INCLUDE TONGUE SCRAPING IN YOUR ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE
In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, it is critical to your oral health that you clean your tongue thoroughly. That’s because it makes contact with every part of your mouth. Therefore, if it is not clean, it can spread debris to your teeth and gums.
A great hygienic tool to know about is a tongue scraper. The unit is designed to gently slide from the back of your tongue to the front to eliminate particles and bacteria that have been trapped between the papillae (the tiny lumps that line the tongue).
DON’T BE FOOLED BY WHITE TEETH
A common misconception that dentists and hygienists encounter is that whitened teeth equate to good oral health. The reality, though, is that your teeth can be attractive yet unhealthy, as cavities aren’t always visible.
The moral to the story is not to”judge a book by its cover,” and also to maintain regular dental visits in Tryon so you will know the status of your oral health.
DON’T SETTLE FOR DENTURES
If you think that you are destined to wear dentures as you get older, then dental professionals want you to know that you shouldn’t settle for losing your teeth. That’s because the quality of your dental care plays a bigger role in your oral health than the effects of aging.
So if you want to have your teeth for the rest of your life, now is the time to dedicate to excellent oral health.
BE CAREFUL WITH COFFEE AND SODA CONSUMPTION
Do you have to start your day with a cup or two of coffee? Is it common for you to sip on a soda while you eat dinner or lunch? If the answer is”yes” to either of these queries, then it is time to rethink things.
That’s because coffee, soda and other beverages of the such as are acidic. Therefore, in addition to contributing to unattractive stains and discoloration, they can also cause enamel (the outer layer of the teeth) wear.
A better alternative, of course, is to drink water. But if you are planning to drink coffee or sodas, it is helpful to use a straw and to clean your teeth soon after ingestion.
MAINTAIN REGULAR DENTAL VISITS
When it comes to preserving and enhancing your oral health, your #1 ally is the dentist. That’s why it’s important that you visit at least every six months for preventative care. While you’re there, you’ll undergo a thorough cleaning and examination so that any growing issues can be identified and brought to your attention. Therefore, a plan can be structured to fix the issues.
These eight tips are actionable items that can make huge changes in your oral health.