Your Dentist Suggests Oral Health Habits You Should Start Implementing

Do you regularly brush and floss your teeth? If so, that’s great! Your dentist will most certainly be glad to hear you’re practicing these good oral hygiene habits at home. But what about your diet? Are you eating the right foods? Do you drink enough water? In addition to the daily morning and nighttime rituals, there are other ways to improve your oral health. Take a look at some of the following suggestions and begin implementing them to maintain healthy teeth and gums.  

1.      Brush Your Whole Mouth

When it comes to proper oral hygiene, there’s more to it than brushing your teeth and gums. You need to clean your whole mouth. That includes your tongue, roof of your mouth, and cheeks. All of these can be done at the same time, so just plan to take a few additional minutes to give your mouth a thorough cleaning.

What you’ll do is turn your brush to a 45-degree angle so that it hits your gums and your teeth when brushing. Using a back and forth motion, you’ll also go up and down to ensure all your teeth and gums are cleaned. Then, you’ll want to take your brush and clean the surface of your tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Make sure not to brush too hard as you can damage and irritate these soft tissues.

Remember to also brush twice a day for a full two minutes.

2.      Floss Daily

It is recommended that you floss at least once a day, but if you’re prone to getting food stuck between your teeth, you might want to consider flossing after every meal. You’ll want to make sure you’re doing it correctly, as too much force can damage your gums.

3.      Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

We all know how too much sugar and carbohydrates can negatively impact our overall health. This is why it’s important to eat nutrient-rich foods, combining fruits, vegetables, cheese, and lean proteins into your diet. You might even be surprised to know that by eating cheese, it causes you to produce more saliva that will neutralize acid and prevent bacteria from building.

The same can be said for the items you choose to drink. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Not only is this great for your overall health, but it keeps your mouth from becoming dry. A dry mouth can lead to halitosis or bad breath, so stay away from the sugary and acidic drinks, as well as the alcohol, and instead, opt for water.

4.      Visit Your Dentist Regularly

There’s a reason your dentist strongly encourages you to keep your regular six-month dental appointments. These checkups and cleanings allow your dentist to check for any potential problems and address them before they worsen.

By following the above-mentioned tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthier smile. So, don’t wait to start implementing these suggested tips. Get started today!

About the Author
Dr. Jayme Martinez attended Baylor College of Dentistry for his dental degree. While pursuing his degree, he achieved certification in nitrous oxide and Level 1 Sedation. Dr. Martinez and the team at Kessler Park Dental believe in the importance of maintaining optimal oral health, which is why preventive care is offered in our dental office. He and his team of dental professionals will offer tips and advice on ways to improve your oral health habits at home for better teeth and gums. If you’re on the hunt and searching “dentist near me,” we encourage you to visit our website or call (214) 303-9969 to learn more about the services we offer.