For some people, taking the time to floss and brush their teeth properly is an annoying task. What they don’t know is how many benefits come from it. Having a healthy smile is not only about how straight or bright your teeth are, but you must also have excellent oral hygiene.
Do you want to know how to keep healthy teeth and gums? These are some of the things you should keep in mind:
Daily hygiene: Flossing and brushing your teeth is something you should do every day at least twice a day. You should spend approximately two minutes doing this, especially after eating. This way, you ensure that you have removed all plaque and bacteria accumulated on your teeth throughout the day, preventing gum disease. Even if you have healthy teeth and gums, you should visit a dentist near you twice a year.
Use a mouth guard: It doesn’t matter if you are a kid or an adult. If you play high-contact sports such as hockey, using a mouth guard will protect your smile against broken teeth.
Fluoride: It’s a natural element that you can find in many sources. It gives your teeth strength and can help repair some of the damage they might have suffered. Furthermore, it protects against the acids in some of your food and makes your teeth more resistant to the action of bacteria. You can get it from drinking water and from certain foods. In addition, different over-the-counter products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, offer low doses of fluoride.
Brush properly: First, use a soft-bristled brush. Don’t scrub, move the toothbrush gently up and down. The toothbrush should be placed at a 45° angle against your gums. Remember to change your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months.
Visit the dentist: Even if you think you have a beautiful smile with no dental issues, you must visit a St. Albert dentist at least twice a year. Dental visits help you prevent decay. Furthermore, they might identify undiscovered oral health issues you weren’t even aware of.
Quit bad habits: Smoking, chewing tobacco or even using a vape is not only bad for your lungs. This habit affects your body in general, especially the health of your teeth and gums. Besides, it makes your immune system weaker, allowing bacteria to grow. Therefore, it’s not only about getting yellowish-looking teeth. Quitting this habit is also about preventing gum disease and, in the worst cases, malignancies.
Take care of your baby’s teeth: Oral health should start at a young age. By the time the first tooth erupts in your baby’s mouth, you should already be cleaning it. You need a damp cloth to wipe your teeth softly every day. By the time they reach one year, you should take them for their first visit to a St.Albert dentist.
This is just a general oral health checkup. Furthermore, the dentist will mainly focus on alignment and jaw development. Even if these teeth will eventually fall out, they lay the foundation for permanent teeth.
If you follow all of these recommendations, you will have a better chance of having healthy teeth and gums. Also, if you’re already presenting certain issues, you should schedule a visit to a dental office in St.Albert. Always remember that oral issues usually reflect your body’s health.
