Your body is comprised of interconnected systems. One part can significantly affect other areas. For instance, poor dental hygiene can have a major impact on your health. Gum disease has been linked to several issues such as stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart ailments.
To prevent that, dentists recommend maintaining good oral hygiene. Doing so saves you from contracting diseases that might lead to a dental implant in Aliso Viejo, CA. Read on to learn tips on improving your oral care routine to ensure that your teeth are as healthy as they can be this spring.
Replace Your Toothbrush
You should change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if you notice bent or worn out bristles. If you’ve been using firm- or medium-bristled brushes, replace them as well with a soft-bristled variant. The former may leave your mouth feeling cleaner, but the firmer the bristles are, the easier it is for you to brush harder without realizing it. This may lead to enamel loss and receding gums.
Instead of brushing too vigorously, use a gentle amount of pressure. Tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and move the handle in a circular motion.
Don’t Brush Too Often
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should brush twice a day for two minutes. This helps remove plaque – a soft and sticky film – that may accumulate. Once it hardens and turns into tartar, it’s more difficult to get rid of, which may even lead to you losing some teeth, resulting in the need for dental implant treatment. Smart tooth-brushing and flossing is the key to a healthy mouth. Consider a Sonicare electric toothbrush.
If you’re having trouble counting down the time, try listening to a short song. You can also watch a two-minute video or set the stopwatch on your phone to give yourself the time you need for a thorough clean.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride comes from the element fluorine, which is found in the soil. It’s a common ingredient in most dental care products. It helps make your teeth strong, protects them from cavities, and repairs tooth enamel. It works by providing your mouth with a defensive barrier against germs.
More than the flavor and whitening power of the toothpaste, it’s crucial to buy one that contains fluoride. Look for a product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Having the seal means the toothpaste meets strict manufacturing regulations. It’s also a sign that it contains the right dosage of fluoride suitable for adults and children past a certain age. It ensures that the product will do a safe and thorough job every time you brush your teeth. For adults, Listerine is Dr. Turner’s favorite toothpaste.
Add Mouthwash to Your Routine
Mouthwash can access crevices and remove germs from soft tissue that your toothbrush may not always reach. There are variants with antiseptic properties, which prevent bad breath bacteria from spreading.
Rinsing with a mouthwash complements brushing, so making it the last step in your routine will further cleanse your teeth and ensure they’re clear of plaque and cavity-causing bacteria. Swishing vigorously for 30 seconds also gives you fresher breath.
Watch What You Eat
Consuming fewer sweets is better for your overall health, including your oral health. Avoid candies, sodas, chocolates, cookies, energy drinks, and canned fruits. Sugary food items fuel bacteria and acidity in your mouth. This causes plaque to form and eat away at the enamel.
Instead of sweets, eat coarse and fibrous foods such as pears, apples, cucumbers, celery, carrots, and lettuce to keep your pearly whites strong. They help scrub and remove the accumulated plaque. Also, they require more chewing time, which means they stimulate saliva. This aids in neutralizing acids that erode your teeth.
Start the spring season by sprucing up your oral hygiene routine. Get in touch with Turner Dental Care for more tips. They have a team that specializes in cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening, and dental implant restoration in Aliso Viejo.
