Humans are habitual. Whether it be the time you leave for work, or what you eat for lunch, humans form habits a lot of the time without even knowing it. Certain habits like exercising are healthy, while others can be detrimental to your health. The same thing goes for oral health: there are some habits that will help you and some that can hurt your teeth and gums. Read on to learn good oral health habits to get into from your local dentist.
Brush and Floss Everyday
Brushing and flossing your teeth is just as important as it was when you were told to get into this habit as a child because as you grow older, your teeth become more susceptible to dental issues like cavities. Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen and protect your tooth enamel. Use a toothbrush that has a small head with soft-bristles to reach hard areas of the mouth. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can be abrasive and actually hurt your teeth when brushing.
In addition to brushing, use floss to clean your teeth where your toothbrush can’t. Plaque and bacteria tend to find their way in between your teeth, so you can use floss or pre-strung floss picks to remove any debris leftover from the last meal.
When choosing your oral healthcare supplies, look for products with an ADA (American Dental Association) seal to be sure they are healthy and quality products.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Routine dental visits are a great habit to get into because they’re your best defense against serious dental issues. Your dentist will provide a dental exam and cleaning to catch oral health issues while they are still small. This saves you time and money down the road.
Your dentist is also a great resource if you have any oral health questions, or you want tips on how to deal with a certain dental problem.
Drink Fluoridated Water
Fluoride is a magic chemical that prevents tooth decay. Being a natural cavity fighter, many community water systems contain added fluoride to keep your teeth healthy. If you are a fan of bottled water, look at the label to find a brand that contains fluoride.
Quit Smoking
You’re probably already aware of some of the effects smoking can have on your overall health, but it can affect your oral health too. Smoking increases issues with gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Tobacco also slows down any healing in your mouth that needs to occur after a treatment.
Use the above tips to form good oral health habits instead of bad ones. These tips will help keep your mouth healthy and pocketbook full from avoiding more serious health problems.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard has two full service practices in San Marcos and Rancho Bernardo. He enjoys caring for his patients and providing preventive services to keep dental problems at bay. He currently runs his own practice where he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (760) 599-6559 for any questions you may have.