Your Windsor Invisalign Provider
You can maintain your oral health with a good hygiene routine every day as well as attending checkups at your dentist. Our Windsor dentists are here to share 10 oral hygiene tips.
10 Oral Hygiene Tips for our Windsor Dentists
By following these oral health tips, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums between your dental appointments.
1. Brush twice a day, for at least minutes.
For good oral hygiene, you will want to brush your teeth at least two times a day, ideally in the morning and before bed, for two to four 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 every day.
At least once a day, you should floss your teeth, ideally right before you brush your teeth at night. This will help remove debris and reduce your risk of developing tooth decay. It helps keep your gums healthy too. 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, wrapping the floss around each tooth.
3. Rinse with mouthwash as part of your daily routine.
Making mouthwash a part of your daily oral hygiene routine can help kill the germs that grow in your mouth. Mouthwash has the key distinction of being able to reach where your tooth brush can't go, allowing it to further remove debris from your mouth that can irritate the gum line and lead to gum disease.
4. Brush or scrape your tongue every day.
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. Visit the dentist regularly.
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. Don’t delay dental treatments.
There are a large number of people who have apprehension about going to the dentist or concerns about the costs which can prevent them from seeking dental care even when they desperately need it. The truth is, preventive check-ups and treatments do not cost much compared to extensive care of 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. Eat healthy food options and minimize sugar.
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, 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. Limit pop, coffee, and alcohol.
Drinks that are made with additives such as corn syrup and food dye can stain your teeth making them look discoloured. If you need something to quench your thirst, beverages such as milk can be a great way to strengthen your teeth and build stronger enamel and water which hydrates your body.
9. Wear a mouth guard to protect your smile.
If you play sports or other activities that could lead to dental damage, it is recommended that you 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. Avoid habits that can chip or damage your teeth.
Steer clear of tobacco and other substances that are harmful to your teeth, and try to break habits such as biting your nails or opening bottle caps with your teeth. If you have the habit of sucking your thumb, lip-biting, tongue-thrusting, or clenching your teeth, consult a dentist for treatment options.