One of the most important things that you can do to take care of your smile is to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing at least twice per day. Here are 10 healthy habits that will not only improve your smile, but also the rest of your body as well.
1) Brush twice a day
Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent gum disease and cavities, two common causes of bad breath. Remember to brush your tongue, too. If you’re brushing less than twice a day, do so as soon as you wake up and again before bed to freshen your breath.
2) Floss once a day
Keep your teeth and gums clean by using dental floss at least once a day. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth that you may have missed while brushing. It also reduces gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss or tooth extraction.
3) Visit your dentist regularly
The mouth is full of bacteria and plaque, and if you don’t visit your dentist on a regular basis, you are more likely to get cavities or gum disease. Schedule an appointment every six months for routine cleaning to avoid further health problems.
4) Don’t forget about your tongue
When you brush, make sure to reach your tongue. This can be done by pulling it out of your mouth as far as possible and running your toothbrush around it gently. Use a tongue scraper before brushing if your tongue is specially coated. Bacteria tend to stick to our tongues more than other parts of our body because there are no taste buds on them, so keeping them clean is an important factor in good oral hygiene. Once or twice a day should do it!
5) Drink plenty of water
Water helps keep your gums and teeth moist, preventing bacteria from growing on them. It also flushes toxins out of your mouth and keeps mucus membranes in your throat healthy, helping you to breathe easier. As such, make sure you’re consuming enough water to keep your mouth healthy: aim for 6-8 glasses each day.
6) Minimize sugar intake
Sugar causes our teeth to rot and fall out. Make sure you brush your teeth after every meal or snack, as well as floss at least once a day, to help fight plaque build-up and keep your smile healthy. If you’re prone to sweet cravings, try chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum or drinking water after meals instead—this will refresh your mouth and make you less inclined to reach for a sweet treat.
7) Reduce the amount of citrus you eat
Although citrus fruits are healthy and packed with vitamin C, they can actually be bad for your teeth. Citrus fruits tend to be high in acid, which can eat away at your enamel over time. If you want to stay healthy and fight cavities at the same time, it’s a good idea to drink fruit juice that is diluted with water rather than eating whole citrus fruits. This will help protect your teeth from acidic foods.
8) Get enough sleep
Teeth are at their most vulnerable when you’re asleep. If you want your smile to be healthy, get plenty of rest. Sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and even loss of teeth.
9) Avoid tobacco products
It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s never too late to quit smoking. The sooner you stop tobacco use, even if you do it for a short time, the better your smile will be. Tobacco does not just cause staining; it causes periodontal disease and can increase your risk of gum cancer by causing damage to gums and supporting tissues in your mouth. If you have any questions about what can improve your smile, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
10) Choose natural and organic foods
When it comes to maintaining your dental health, a natural and organic diet is absolutely essential. The most common food additives and preservatives are known to cause long-term damage to tooth enamel, so keeping them out of your system is vital to creating a healthy smile. Organic fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and other unprocessed foods should be standard in your daily diet—and you should have plenty of water available as well!
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