You must practice excellent dental hygiene if you’re keen to sport sparkling teeth into old age. Fortunately, preventing dental problems and maintaining a gorgeous smile is simple with the right tools and information. If you’re wondering how to boost your oral health, we’ve compiled a helpful list of hints and tips to get you started. 

Tips on Dental Hygiene

Remember to brush twice a day. 

While this rule should go without saying, you’d be surprised how many people go to bed without brushing their teeth. If necessary, try setting an alarm to remind you to brush your teeth at certain times of the day. Remember – consistent failure to brush your teeth could quickly lead to problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Brush your teeth properly. 

Many people view brushing their teeth as a tiresome chore. As such, they may avoid doing an adequate job. So, what does high-quality brushing look like? Here are our top rules:

• Take your time, ensuring you brush for at least two minutes. 
• Be gentle, moving the brush in circular motions to ensure you don’t miss any areas.
• Use toothpaste containing fluoride to fight germs and create a protective barrier over your teeth.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your tooth enamel.
• Brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums, and remember to brush the backs and sides of the teeth.

Floss once a day. 

Brushing alone won’t address those hard-to-reach areas. The solution? Floss once a day to reduce plaque, prevent gum inflammation, and eliminate residual bits of food. If you find flossing a little tricky, try following these simple steps: 

• Take a piece of floss around 18 inches in length.
• Wrap each end of the floss around your middle fingers, using your forefingers and thumbs to slide the floss between a couple of teeth gently.
• Pull the floss so it’s wrapped around a tooth in a C shape.
• Move the floss up and down up to 10 times.
• Repeat these steps on all of your other teeth. 

If you have dexterity problems due to arthritis, it’s worth investing in dental picks or interproximal brushes instead of floss.

Pay attention to your tongue. 

While brushing your tongue may sound a little unusual, it will eliminate many bacteria in your mouth. Feel free to use your toothbrush to brush your tongue or invest in a tongue scraper if you prefer!

Drink plenty of water. 

Drinking water – particularly after meals – can help wash out sticky and acidic foods that could damage your teeth. It also provides plenty of other health benefits!

Use mouthwash every day. 

Swishing your mouth with mouthwash daily will eliminate harmful bacteria, re-mineralize your teeth, reduce oral acidity, and prevent plaque buildup. Remember to use an antibacterial product and ask your dentist for recommendations. Sometimes, a dentist may prescribe a specialist mouthwash for maximum efficacy.

Limit your intake of acidic and sugary foods.

 Acids in fruits, teas, and coffee can wear away tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Sugar can also convert to acid in the mouth, so limiting your intake of cookies, chocolate, soda, and other sugary treats is a good idea. While you don’t have to eliminate such foods from your diet, your teeth (and waistline!) will thank you for going easy on your favorite snacks.

Visit your dentist regularly. 

Routine preventative dentistry helps to spot potential problems early and ensure your teeth remain in excellent condition. As a general rule, you should book an appointment every six months. However, people with dental crowns, dental fillings, or a history of gum disease may need to visit more often. 

Eat crunchy fruit and veg. 

Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery help keep your teeth and jaw strong and boost your overall health. Avoid overeating processed food and incorporate several different types of fruit and veg into every meal.

Don’t smoke or use other types of tobacco products.

Most of us know that smoking is bad for the lungs. However, it’s also one of the top causes of oral cancer and gum disease, as well as less severe issues like bad breath and stained teeth. If you struggle to quit, approach your healthcare provider for help and advice.  

Want to achieve your brightest smile? Panacea Dental is here to help!

That’s where our dental and cosmetic dentist services come in. If you’d like to correct an overbite or enjoy straighter teeth, get in touch today to discover Panacea dental services. We offer one of Libertyville’s best dentist services and free consultations via our website.