Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy is an important part of protecting your overall health. If your oral health begins to suffer, sooner or later other aspects of your health will follow suit. To protect the health of your teeth and mouth, make sure you don't forget about these aspects of oral hygiene.
Brushing Your Teeth Isn’t Enough
As it turns out, brushing is not the end all be all of dental hygiene. You need to brush your teeth properly in order to get the benefits. This means using a soft toothbrush and brushing at a 45 degree angle to your gums, using short strokes, and covering all surfaces of your teeth. Of course, it's not just your teeth you need to pay attention to. According to Kuhni Orthodontic Studio, brushing your tongue is critical for your oral hygiene as it helps remove plaque and bacteria. Additionally, it's important to regularly floss your teeth and use mouthwash. For best results, don't use mouthwash right after brushing, as it will wash away the remnants of your toothpaste from your teeth. This residue can actually benefit your teeth, so you don't want to be washing it away.
Eating a Healthy Diet Helps
Your diet does more than impact your waistline. It also has a role to play in your oral health. For the sake of your teeth, there are certain foods you should be limiting. There are some foods that stain your teeth. Others are high in sugars that serve as a source of food for bacteria that produce acids and plaque that can do a lot of damage. Instead, opt for fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables that help clean your teeth and get saliva going. Foods high in calcium and fluoride can help strengthen your teeth as well.
Regular Dental Appointments Are Crucial
Going to the dentist is an uncomfortable experience for many people. That said, it's still important to attend those biannual maintenance appointments. According to Ameritas, regular dental appointments help you avoid dental problems that could become much worse if you skip out. The examination and cleaning are crucial for identifying any problems and protecting your teeth from decay. If you want to keep all your teeth and keep them in good shape, don't skip your appointments.
Good oral hygiene habits are an important part of taking proper care of yourself. You owe it to yourself to make sure you're eating a healthy diet, going beyond simply brushing your teeth, and attending regular dental appointments. This will help protect both your smile and your oral health.
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