You see beautiful, healthy smiles all the time through movies and tv, but it doesn’t just happen overnight. In fact, nearly half of adults who are over the age of thirty have some sort of periodontal disease. In order to prevent these kinds of issues from occurring, you need to be making good lifestyle choices on top of having a great hygiene routine. Good oral health requires daily commitment to making smart decisions for your smile. Continue reading to see what your dentist recommends that you get into the habit of doing.
#1 Don’t Go to Bed Before Brushing
After spending the day eating and drinking different foods and beverages, it’s important that you give your teeth a brush to dislodge any debris and get rid of plaque that’s stuck in your smile. This may seem obvious, but the second brushing of the day is often neglected. Keeping up with good dental hygiene is crucial to protect your teeth from decay and gum disease!
#2 Use Mouthwash
Even after brushing and flossing, there is still going to be bacteria that is left behind. This is where mouthwash comes in handy. Swishing a rinse around your mouth for just 30 seconds kills 99.9% of the bacteria that causes plaque, bad breath, and gum disease! It is a great addition to your regular oral hygiene routine.
#3 Clean Your Tongue
Your teeth aren’t the only place in your mouth that’s harboring bacteria. Your tongue can also build up plaque and germs that’s often neglected. On top of brushing and flossing your teeth, take some time to brush your tongue with your toothbrush. You could also invest in a tongue scraper if you’d prefer that method instead.
#4 Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Your dental appointments have two parts to them: the cleaning and the checkup. After your mouth is cleaned to remove buildups of plaque and tartar, your dental team will check for any problems or abnormalities. If you’re skipping your dental appointment, small issues may be going unnoticed and could develop into larger ones. This means more time getting dental work done. See a dentist near you!
#5 Stay Hydrated
If you aren’t drinking enough water, your teeth will suffer. Water helps to wash away leftover food debris and keep your teeth clean. If you are dehydrated, you are more likely to suffer from dry mouth as well. This means that you won’t be producing enough acid neutralizing saliva in your mouth. This increases your likelihood of tooth decay and other issues.
#6 Choose Healthy Foods
An occasional treat doesn’t usually hurt, but constantly snacking on starchy foods or drinking soda can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. Instead, reach for more healthy snacks and stick to water or milk when you are thirsty.
When it comes to a healthy smile, preventive care is key! By stopping problems before they even develop, you will be showing off a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come.
About the Practice
Dr. Steven Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards provide family dental care together at one location in Orange Park, FL. Both dentists earned their Doctor of Dental Medicine Degrees from the University of Florida. If you want to learn more about the best ways to take care of your smile or schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit their website or call (904) 272-0800.