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We talk a lot about the consequences of not taking care of your teeth – cavities, gum disease, decay, yellowing. It’s time to give things a positive spin. Here are a few healthy habits that you can choose every day to prevent decay and take care of your smile:
Brush (Properly!)
Sure, you brush your teeth every day, but are you doing it correctly? You should be brushing at least twice a day (we recommend once in the morning and once at night) for at least two minutes each time to ensure you are thoroughly cleaning them. Make sure you get not only the front and tops of your teeth but also the back and sides. You should brush in short circular motions in the front before moving to the chewing surfaces and front and back sides of the teeth. Don’t forget your tongue!
Floss
Your dentist will always tell you flossing is important, but do you know why? The main reason is that flossing gets in between your teeth, cleaning all those hard-to-reach areas that your toothbrush can’t. If you don’t floss, plaque that isn’t removed by your toothbrush builds up and eventually will cause decay. You should floss at least once a day.
Finish with Mouthwash
Using mouthwash once a day is just another assurance that your teeth are being properly cleaned. Sometimes, you miss areas of your teeth while brushing that you don’t even realize, especially along the gum line and in the back of your mouth. Mouthwash also reduces acid in the mouth and remineralizes your teeth. Plus, there’s the bonus of extra fresh breath!
Drink Plenty of Water
The drinks you consume have a significant impact on your oral health. Coffee, soda, and other sugary beverages can negatively affect your teeth. Cutting back on these drinks – or at least using a straw – will help. Additionally, you should be drinking as much water as possible. Water helps clear out harmful bacteria and stop plaque buildup. Staying hydrated is also really good for your body, so there’s no downside to drinking water throughout the day.
Use Scissors
Bet you didn’t see this one coming! It’s easy to resort to using your teeth to hold things or open things, especially if your hands are full. This puts pressure on your teeth that they aren’t used to or built for. It can cause your teeth to crack or even your bite to shift. Additionally, putting things in your mouth can lead to harmful bacteria getting in your mouth, which is never recommended. Just put your bags down or grab the scissors. Protect your teeth!
The last way to ensure a healthy mouth is to go to the dentist for a checkup. Now, we don’t need to see you every day (although we wouldn’t mind!) Twice a year should suffice. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
