Ten Dental Hygiene Tips for a Healthier Smile

When you first meet someone, we imagine (and hope) that you smile. While a smile can make for a lovely introduction, it largely depends on the quality of your teeth. You don’t need to have a Tom Cruise smile to make a good impression. However, you do need to make sure you are keeping your teeth in good condition. Here are ten dental hygiene and teeth cleaning tips for a healthier smile.

1. Brush your Teeth

Brush, brush, brush. You need to be adhering to a proper brushing routine every day. Do it twice a day with high-quality fluoride toothpaste. you should also make sure to brush in and around your gums.

2. Floss

Too many people see flossing as optional. In terms of maintaining healthy teeth, it might be more important than brushing. If you don’t remove food from your teeth, it can lead to serious bacterial problems in your mouth. Make sure you floss every night before bed.

3. No Smoking

You don’t have to be a doctor to know about the risks associating with smoking. Dentally-speaking, it severely stains your teeth. It also puts you at risk for life-threatening illnesses like oral cancer. Oral hygiene and smoking can’t coexist peacefully.

4. Easy on the Sugar

You might have a sweet tooth, but your teeth can only handle so much. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as possible. This is especially true for soda, because the carbonation raises the amount of acidity on your teeth. Plus, if you eat candies that stick to your gums, it can be very difficult to remove them.

5. Regular Cleanings

No one can give you better dental advice than your dentist. Make sure that you are going for cleanings every six months. During these procedures, they’ll also be able to determine any pressing issues you might have, such as cavities or teeth that need removing.

6. Stay Hydrated

Your entire body can benefit from drinking more water, including your teeth. Make sure you are drinking as much water as possible. This way, you can produce more saliva, which allows your teeth to thrive. Make it a point to have water be your default beverage to maintain oral hygiene.

7. Calcium

You need calcium in order to make your teeth function properly. If you have a deficiency of calcium, you’re not going to be able to chew your food as well as before. Make sure that calcium is a staple of your diet. You can find it in plenty of green leafy vegetables.

8. Replace Your Toothbrush

Have you been holding onto the same toothbrush for months now? If so, you should throw it out. A frayed toothbrush doesn’t just look unpleasant, it also is ineffective. Bristles that have been compromised won’t be able to reach your teeth with as much ease. Make sure you replace your toothbrush as soon as it starts to fall apart. If you have a special electric toothbrush, make sure to replace it at least every three months.

9. Brush Gently

It might seem strange to not wash your mouth out with water after brushing. However, doing so can comprise the effective nature of toothpaste. Spit out the toothpaste and wipe your mouth. Then, let it accumulate on your teeth. Over time, you’ll find that your teeth are much more effective than they were before.

10. Avoid Rinsing

You don’t want to brush your teeth so hard your gums start to bleed. Instead, you should be using a gentle motion. You also shouldn’t be doing so in a hurry. Take at least two minutes for each brushing session. Make sure to make your way all around your teeth and gums. Watch videos on proper brushing technique or ask your dentist for advice.

Your teeth can say a lot about you as a person. If your teeth are in good condition, it indicates that you take proper care of them. Should you need to fix them up, don’t despair. This is the perfect time to get started on a journey of dental care and teeth cleaning. It can save you a whole lot of stress and money to know that you’re treating your teeth properly. With these dental hygiene tips, you can make your smile better than ever through healthy teeth. Contact Abundant Dental to schedule your appointment today. We have 4 convenient locations in Murray, Sugar House, Riverton and Sandy, Utah.