10 Oral Hygiene Tips for Healthy Teeth & Gums
According to recent studies, despite being vital to our overall health and wellness, oral hygiene is one of the most commonly ignored aspects for most men and women in the US. The fact is that maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. While most of us are taught the basics of brushing and flossing as kids, all too often, without mommy or daddy keeping an eye out, too many adults slack off! According to Dr. Marina Pinkhasova of Affordable Dental, considered by many to be the best dentist in Forest Hills, it’s never too late to develop a strong oral hygiene regimen! There are tons of different things you can do, and hobbies you can adopt to keep your teeth, gums and mouth overall, fresh and healthy. In this article, we will be going over 10 of the best oral hygiene tips for kids and adults of all ages.
Brush Twice a Day
Something our mom has probably been drilling into our heads since we were babies, sadly far too many of us barely brush once a day! As the best dentist in Queens, Dr. Pinkhasova and her team at Affordable are constantly reminding patients about brushing at night and sometimes after meals. Brushing your teeth in the morning and before bed is crucial for removing plaque and preventing cavities. You should make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes.
Floss Daily
Now this is a big point that many of us avoid! Flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Make sure to floss at least once or twice a day, and particularly after meals. Over-flossing isn’t great either, so just make sure to find a solid balance and don’t overdo it.
Use Quality Mouthwash
Bacteria is one of the biggest enemies for good overall oral hygiene. Mouthwash can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath and reduce the risk of gum disease. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying out your mouth.
Get a Tongue Scraper
One of the leading causes of bad breath, bacteria can accumulate on your tongue and drastically impact your oral health and wellness. One of the best products you can purchase is a tongue scraper – available online or at any drug store. A tongue scraper allows you to remove the film of bacteria that will build up on your tongue. You can also use a brush to clean your tongue if that is more comfortable.
Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing gum can become a problem for many of us, but it’s mainly due to the sugar involved! Chewing sugar-free gum can help increase saliva production, which can neutralize acid in the mouth and prevent cavities.
Avoid Sugary Sweets & Acidic Foods
Sugary and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Plus sugary foods simply aren’t good for your overall health either.
Drink Enough Water
Hydration is a vital key to overall health and wellness. Drinking water can help wash away food particles and bacteria from your teeth and gums. It can also help prevent dry mouth, which actually allows bacteria to build up even more.
A New Toothbrush Goes a Long Way
Way too many of us are using the same old toothbrush for months on end, or at least until we misplace it! According to Dr. Pinkasova, the best dentist near me in Forest Hills, you should make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn-out toothbrush won’t clean your teeth effectively, and can leave behind food particles and bacteria.
Visit the Dentist
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. As the best dentist in Forest Hills, Dr. Pinkhasova and her team can help you to detect and treat dental problems before they become more serious. The team at Affordable Dental also offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, plus they work alongside some of the best periodontal health experts as well, in case you need to look into more serious measures like gum disease, gum graft surgery, and much more.
Quit Smoking
One of the worst things you can do for your overall health is smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of dental problems. Far too many smokers are in need of more serious dental treatments like root canal treatment, sleep apnea treatment or gum disease procedures like gum graft surgery.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a bright, healthy, happy smile in no time at all. For more information or to schedule a dental checkup, be sure to contact Affordable Dental today.
