The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Everyone wants to keep their pearly whites and fabulous smile as long as they possibly can, which is why they practice good oral hygiene habits. Having bad habits when it comes to oral hygiene can lead to various dental and even medical problems such as gum disease, infections, and heart disease. You can even run the risk of having a stroke. Taking steps to ensure regular maintenance of your oral hygiene, such as the routinely scheduled checkups with your dentist, can help preserve your glamorous smile.
Tips to Maintaining a Healthy Smile
It is important that you begin oral hygiene care early on; however, it’s also better late than never. Here are some tidbits to help you maintain that good oral hygiene and protect your photogenic smile.
1. Proper Brushing & Mouth Wash
Brushing your teeth is by far the most important step you can take to ensure and maintain a healthy smile. It is important that you select the proper tooth brush as they very in softness and design, and it is recommended that you brush twice a day. Handle your brush at a 45-degree handle, and use up and down motions- not circular, to avoid bleeding gums. The same can be said for the inside of your mouth and gums. Also, you can be sure to thoroughly clean your tongue with both brush and mouthwash, removing any bacteria, which leads to bad breath or gingivitis.
2. Floss Frequently
A lot of people take to flossing simply as a means of removing food from their teeth immediately after meals, however, regular flossing can help you catch a lot of leftover particulates beneath the gum line that regular brushing and mouth wash cannot. It is recommended that you floss at least once a day.
3. Avoid Smoking
Your smile will thank you later. First, for saving it from oral cancer and periodontal difficulties; secondly, it will be grateful for not having you put it through havoc trying to mask the smell of tobacco left on your breath. There are those who attempt to chew gum, suck candies, or drink coffee to get rid of the smell. All of these are harmful for your teeth, with coffee even going as far as to stain them bringing us to number four.
4. Cut Down on Sodas, Coffee, and Alcohol
While these drinks are high in phosphorous, it conflicts with your bodies need for calcium. Calcium plays a major role in protecting your teeth from decay and discoloration. Meanwhile, drinks with harmful additives like corn syrup and food dye with leave your teeth a tented hue. For a long-lasting, healthy smile pick up a carton of milk or flavored water instead a highly-caffeinated or sugary drink.
5. Increase your Vitamin Intake
Your body in general needs calcium; however, your smile benefits just as much as your bones. Calcium and vitamin D promote healthy gums and teeth while vitamin B helps prevent bleeding of the gums. Other vitamins such as copper, zinc, iodine, iron and potassium are also essential for long-term, healthy dental care.
6. Visit Your Dentist
Most importantly, seek outside care to help maintain your healthy smile from a dentist. It is suggested that you visit your dentist at least twice a year to have a checkup and full oral cleaning, not just during unexpected moments of discomfort. Have your dentist give you a comprehensive exam- the works, with yearly x-rays, so that you may catch any potential problems before they occur.
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