There are over ten thousand dentists in Texas. So, if you’re looking to get a healthier mouth, there are lots of medical professionals who can help you.
But, a regular dental visit is just the beginning when it comes to keeping yourself healthy.
Keep reading to learn our tips for healthy teeth and gums.
1. Have Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Having good oral hygiene practices is an important part of taking care of your teeth.
You should be flossing your teeth twice a day at a minimum. If you think you’re flossing enough – you’re probably not.
There are lots of benefits to flossing you might not have considered yet. Benefits make your teeth brushing more effective. Flossing prevents tartar from building up on your teeth and plaque accumulation.
And, you may not have heard this one, but rinsing your mouth out after drinking or eating can be helpful for your dental health.
2. Have a Good Bedtime Routine
You should also have a good routine around going to bed for your dental health. Never eat anything after brushing your teeth—unless you plan to brush them again.
Try and drink a lot of water before you go to bed (although not too much—you don’t want to be getting up every few minutes). Water before bed helps prevent bad morning breath and solves dry mouth that can be uncomfortable as you sleep.
And, no matter how exhausted you are, never go to bed without brushing your teeth. This sets a bad precedent, and you’re more likely to do it again in the future. Not brushing your teeth at night can cause bacteria to build up in your mouth.
3. Buy the Right Products
Different products are better for taking care of your teeth than others. Always use toothpaste with fluoride in it, because it helps prevent tooth decay.
Consider incorporating mouthwash into your oral care routine, too. Mouthwash can further help prevent tooth decay and wash away damaging bacteria.
If you often suffer from canker sores, mouthwash helps prevent them from popping up—and helps fight gum disease. Your breath will smell better, too, which is always a plus.
Ensure that you’re replacing your toothbrush regularly—you should be switching them out every three months or so. You can also consider whether a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush is best for your needs.
4. Follow the Right Diet
While it’s okay to indulge in moderation, you should generally follow a diet that benefits your teeth. Limit the number of sugar-rich foods in your diet.
Certain raw vegetables can be very helpful for your teeth. It’s much harder for bacteria to latch onto crunchy, raw vegetables. Try and add foods that are higher in calcium to your diet, too, since calcium helps to protect and strengthen your tooth enamel.
Most dairy products are high in calcium, but if you’re lactose intolerant you might want to look into a calcium supplement instead.
Acidic fruits can cause damage to your enamel, so cutting down on the amount you eat can be helpful.
You can also use straws when you’re drinking beverages that could harm your teeth, in order to help mitigate the damage.
5. Go to the Dentist Regularly
Of course, it’s still essential to visit your dentist as recommended. Go to your appointment every six months, or as recommended by your dentist. A dentist can remove buildup, decreasing the amount of work you’ll have to put in to keep your teeth healthy.
When you’re going to the dentist, you can also ask your dentist any questions you might have about caring for your teeth, which will help you optimize your dental health.
Your dentist may recommend dental sealants, too. These are usually used for children, but can be used for adults as well. Dental sealants cover uneven areas on your teeth, which helps prevent plaque from building up and cavities from forming.
6. Improve Your Brushing Technique
There are a few things you can do to ensure that you’re using an optimal tooth-brushing technique. Don’t brush too hard, since that can inflame your gums. Always make sure that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes each go-around.
While you’re at it, you should brush your tongue. Bacteria can fester on your tongue, and spread back to your teeth. You can also get a tongue scraper to remove even more bacteria.
If you’re not sure what you should be doing to improve your brushing technique, you can ask your dentist what they recommend for taking care of your teeth between visits.
7. Avoid Damaging Habits
There are some things you might be doing that could cause significant long-term damage to your teeth. Smoking, of course, causes a lot of different health problems—which includes oral health problems. If you smoke tobacco or use nicotine products, it’s time to think about quitting.
If you tend to open things with your teeth, like beer bottles, you should break the habit before you break your teeth.
Grinding your teeth can cause severe damage, so talk to your dentist about what might be causing your teeth grinding and how to stop the problem. If you grind your teeth at night, for instance, your dentist can order a nightguard for you to prevent damage.
Achieve Healthy Teeth and Gums Today
With these tips, you’ll be able to start your journey toward healthy teeth and gums. You just have to make your healthier dental habits a part of your daily routine.
Are you looking for a dentist in Richmond, Texas? Contact Sweet Tooth Smiles today and make an appointment.
