The CDC estimates around one in four adults in the US have at least one tooth cavity. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain and weakness in your teeth. Tooth decay is the beginning of a slippery slope to a lifetime of dental problems, which may also affect your diet and general wellbeing.
But the good news is that you can prevent serious oral issues by improving your dental hygiene routine. Even if you care for your teeth well, there are always things you can do better.
Read on to discover the best dental health tips!
Table of Contents
1. Switch up How You Brush Your Teeth
You likely already know that you should change your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months. This is to prevent bacteria build-up and also because the bristles wear down and become less effective.
You likely also know that using an electric toothbrush rather than a manual toothbrush is almost always preferable. But using either of these toothbrushes is better than using no toothbrush at all!
But you may not realize that you can improve how you brush your teeth. Don’t press too hard and use circular motions instead of moving your toothbrush back and forth. Clean your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and don’t forget to brush your tongue too.
2. Change the Order of Your Dental Routine
Do you floss and then clean your teeth, or do you floss afterward? And when should you use mouthwash? All three of these dental hygiene techniques are essential but you need to do them in the right order for them to be effective.
In the morning, brush your teeth. Use floss as necessary throughout the day and use mouthwash after lunch. Then before you go to bed, floss and then brush your teeth.
3. To Floss or Not to Floss?
Spoiler alert: you should be flossing regularly which means at least once a day. But if flossing is too much hassle or causes your gums to bleed, there are alternatives.
You can use interdental brushes or toothpicks instead. As long as they clean the corners of your teeth next to your gum, that’s the important thing.
4. Don’t Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Sorry, but your parents were right. Eating a lot of raw sugar is one of the worst things you can do for your oral hygiene. When sugar mixes with the saliva in your mouth, it creates bacteria that feed on the protective enamel part of your tooth.
If you are going to eat a lot of sugar, remember to brush your teeth straight away.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Appointments
Only a qualified professional can take x-rays and spot potential and existing issues with your teeth. That’s why you need to schedule appointments with your dentist office every six months to check that your dental health is a-okay.
Do You Put Your Best Tooth Forward With Your Current Dental Hygiene Routine?
Even if your dental hygiene routine is good, you’ll no doubt realize from reading these tips that there are still ways you can make it better.
Your teeth are vital to your health and it’s important to know how to look after your entire body. Lucky for you, our website has tons of diet and fitness tips to help you reach your health goals!
