Do you know practicing a top-notch oral hygiene routine, associated with daily dental visits to the dentist in Richmond IN, can help safeguard your mouth and teeth? Some specific oral health conditions are preventable and can be cured in their initial stages! You must have heard that oral hygiene can significantly impact your overall health. For example, gum disease has been associated with a wide array of health problems, such as preterm labor, heart disease, and stroke. Hence, taking good care of dental health is crucial. But simple flossing, brushing twice daily, and seeing your dentist regularly might not be sufficient! If you want to boost oral hygiene, the top 7 dental care tips for improved health and well-being are below. 

1. Use a Soft-Bristled Brush

If the toothbrush bristles are frayed, you must change that every 2-3 months. But if you have a hard-bristled brush, consider changing it now. Medium to firm bristled brushes might make your teeth look cleaner, but they are abrasive and detrimental throughout the time. Instead of brushing your teeth rigorously, you can apply mild pressure, tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line, and keep brushing in a circular and short motion. 

2. Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue consists of bacteria, such as sponges. So, whenever you brush your teeth, never forget to brush your tongue with your toothbrush. Otherwise, you may buy a tongue scraper to keep your tongue clean. 

3. Avoid Smoking and Other Detrimental Tobacco Products 

Smoking is a significant cause of gum disease. Hence, it’s important to bypass the usage of these products altogether. If you’re a chain smoker and would like to quit, you may ask your healthcare provider about several treatment options that can assist. 

4. Incorporate Mouthwash Usage into Your Routine

Daily brushing and flossing can make you feel good enough. However, cleaning with an antimicrobial mouthwash can destroy more oral bacteria that help fight plaque and tartar. Once you’re done with brushing and flossing, swish intensely for 30 seconds twice a day. Apart from using mouthwash, you may also consider chewing sugar-free gum that can aid in minimizing the amount of bacteria in your mouth. It stimulates salivary flow, which bathes the teeth with phosphate ions that help recuperate tooth enamel. 

5. Never Have Sugary Drinks

Although you must restrict the sugar amount in your diet, if you go outside for a beverage like soda, coffee with cream, or lemon tea, it’s vital to consume the drinks once instead of sipping them throughout the day. Whenever you instantly expose your mouth to sugar, specific bacteria utilize it as a food source and metabolize it into lactic acid. It starts to melt the minerals in your teeth, creating cavities. 

6. Consume Teeth-Whitening Foods

Raw, fibrous, and coarse food, such as cucumbers, pears, apples, celery, and lettuce, can keep your teeth pearly white. These fruits and veggies can scrub the tooth surfaces and eliminate accumulated plaque, making your teeth look yellow. Moreover, these crunchy foods need maximum chewing time, producing saliva, which helps balance acids that can deteriorate your teeth. 

7. Keep Your Toothbrush Holder Clean

Do you remember how many times you cleaned your toothbrush container? It’s not about holding your brush; it’s all about holding onto several pesky germs hidden in your bathroom! It has been found that toothbrush holders are the third-greasiest household stuff that needs to be cleaned. 

Conclusion

If it’s been over 6 months since the last dental checkup, immediately arrange a dental appointment with your dentist. They can inspect your teeth and gums and recommend personalized medicines.