Routine Oral Hygiene Tips to Protect Your Teeth & Gums
Here are some routine dental care tips offered by our dentists in Etobicoke to help keep your mouth clean and healthy:
1. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice daily.
In order to best protect your oral health it is important to brush your teeth twice daily for 2 to 4 minutes each time. Start with your brush at a 45-degree angle in a sweeping motion. Brush your upper teeth using a sweeping downward motion, and your lower teeth using a sweeping upward motion. You should only brush back and forth on chewing surfaces.
2. Floss your teeth thoroughly before bed each night.
Flossing your teeth will not only remove any debris that is stuck in between them but also clears away plaque buildup and can help clean the gum line. Use a piece of floss up to 18 inches long so you can use a fresh area of floss for every few teeth. Keep in mind the floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward 'C' shape, partially wrapping around each tooth to cover the most surface area.
3. Use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth before you brush.
Our mouths can be filled with germs and bacteria. Luckily, mouthwash is an easy way to help kill the bacteria that may be calling your mouth home. Because mouthwash can go where toothbrushes and floss can't, it can help to rid your mouth of debris that can irritate the gum line and lead to gum disease.
4. Don't forget to brush your tongue!
After brushing your teeth, bacteria can still remain on the tongue. Brushing or scraping your tongue as part of your daily routine can help to get rid of this bacteria, and also helps to freshen your breath. Be sure to use one toothbrush for brushing, and a different toothbrush for scraping your tongue.
5. Keep up with regular professional dental care visits.
Visit the dentist, at least twice a year, for a dental examination and cleaning. Dentists and hygienists have tools and techniques to clean your teeth far more thoroughly than you can at home. Regular exams also mean your dentist can find any issues that are developing sooner and offer treatment options to prevent them from getting worse.
6. Call your dentist at the first sign of issues.
There are many reasons why people can avoid seeking dental care, from fears they have to the potential cost of services. The truth is, preventive check-ups and treatments do not cost much compared to extensive care for a dental crown or implant. Avoiding necessary treatments may impact your dental hygiene in a negative way and end up costing you more in the long run.
7. Choose to eat healthy foods when possible.
The food you eat has an effect on your whole body, including your teeth. So be sure to eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and minimize your consumption of sugar which leads to cavities. Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. You may take supplements, but it is better to drink milk and fortified orange juice and to eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. Vitamin B complex is also essential for the protection of gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding.
8. Try to minimize your consumption of pop, coffee, and alcohol.
Any beverage that contains food dyes or corn syrups can alter the colour of your teeth and cause them to appear dull. It is best to choose beverages such as milk, which helps to strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, and water which hydrates your body.
9. Protect your teeth during sports and while sleeping with a mouthguard.
If you play sports or other contact activities, it is recommended to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth and gums from impact or injury. Most dental offices offer custom-made mouthguards for patients to comfortably fit their smiles and keep their teeth safe from damage.
10. Try to avoid picking up any bad habits.
Don't smoke and give it up if you do, this not only affects your teeth but can cause health issues involving your overall health as well. Don't open things with your teeth and quit biting your nails if you do as both of these can cause serious damage to your teeth. Thumb sucking, lip-biting, tongue-thrusting, or clenching your teeth, consult a dentist for treatment options.