There’s no denying that oral hygiene is important. In fact, not only does regular dental care keep your breath sweet and your smile attractive, it also also reduces your risk for contracting some serious diseases and protects you from a number of health issues. Here are some ways to keep your teeth in good shape between regular cleaning appointments that you may not have heard before.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR TEETH AND GUMS HEALTHY
To keep your mouth healthy, follow these five dental hygiene tips you might not know about. 1. Wait before you brush. You probably know you should brush your teeth morning and night, but when you do it counts too. Make sure to wait at least half an hour after eating to brush. This is because food can soften your enamel temporarily, making it more susceptible to damage while brushing. 2. Use flossing alternatives. It’s very important to clean the plaque from between your teeth every day. However, many people find dental floss hard to use. If this is your case, there are tools that are easier to manage. Consider floss picks, interdental brushes or devices that use water to clean between your teeth. 3. Eat the right food. Crunchy, fibrous fruits and vegetables not only strengthen your teeth, they also scrub plaque away. Also, cheese helps to neutralize the acidity of other foods, making it a great way to end a meal. 4. Don’t rinse with water after brushing. Rinsing with water removes all of the fluoride from your toothpaste, which takes away all of its benefits. Instead of using water, swish a fluoridated mouthwash in your mouth for about a minute. 5. Chew gum that contains xylitol. Sugar free gum sweetened with xylitol is a great alternative to brushing after lunch because it helps get rid of food residue on your teeth. This natural sweetener also stops bacteria from sticking to your teeth, protecting them from tooth decay. 6. See your dentist regularly. You’ve probably heard this tip a thousand times before, but it needs to be repeated often. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are a very important part of your oral hygiene. Visit the dentist every six months to make sure your teeth stay as healthy as can be. At Nordel Dental Clinic, we’re committed to providing families with comprehensive dental care. We offer many services, from dental cleaning and checkups to tooth whitening and smile reconstruction. Call us today to make an appointment.