Healthy Teeth Tips

Having healthy teeth takes some work. If you don’t practice the right dental hygiene, you may be in store for some unpleasant changes in your mouth. In honor of National Toothache Day, which is February 9th, let’s explore some of the best habits you can practice. Here are some healthy teeth tips from Dr. Sedaros in Melbourne, Florida.

Tip #1: Brush Twice a Day

At the minimum, you want to brush your teeth twice a day, morning and night. Some people go the extra step of brushing their teeth after lunch as well. It’s vital that you brush for at least two minutes per session. Many people shortchange themselves on the time they are brushing. If it helps to keep a little timer by your bathroom sink, do it. Or set the timer on your smartphone when you brush to make sure you’re getting in that full two minutes. And don’t forget to brush your tongue. It’s an important part of your mouth that can harbor food bacteria particles and needs special cleaning attention, the same as your teeth and gums.

Tip #2: Don’t Skimp on Flossing

Flossing is equally as important as brushing. Floss daily to reduce plaque between your teeth, stimulate your gums, and help prevent gingivitis or gum disease. If you are wondering whether to brush or floss first, the answer is to floss before brushing. That will loosen up plaque debris between your teeth that the brush doesn’t get and then you can brush and rinse it out of your mouth.

Tip #3: Stop Going to Bed Without Brushing and Flossing

People get really lazy and tired at night, but going to bed without brushing and flossing your teeth is a big no-no. There are countless germs and plaque build-up in the mouth area that can thrive at night if you don’t go through your oral hygiene routine. It’s a supremely bad habit to get into and should be avoided at all costs.

Tip #4: Use the Right Toothpaste

It’s important to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You can explore all kinds of whitening toothpaste, different flavors or brands, and find one that you actually like to use. Above all, it needs that all-important fluoride because it’s the best at fending off tooth decay or cavities.

Tip #5: Drink Lots of Water

Water is good for your oral health in a number of ways. Most people don’t get the right amount of water each day. Plus, they focus on drinking too many sugar-laden sodas and juices, which are terrible for your teeth. Water is naturally going to rinse out bad bacteria and residue from acidic foods away from your mouth as you drink it throughout the day.

Tip #6: Eat a Whole Foods Diet

A diet plan that consists of crunchy fruits and vegetables is really good for the health of your teeth. The motion to consume these foods is vital for the health of your jaw too. It needs that rigor for healthy teeth and gums. Plus, the vitamins and minerals you get from consuming healthy whole foods are going to give you strong building blocks for your entire body, including your mouth.

Tip #7: Watch Out for Too Much Candy

Candy is a tooth and gum menace. It’s just that easy to eat too much candy or sugary foods and run the risk of getting a mouth full of tooth decay. Sugar converts into acid when it comes into contact with your mouth and that acid is going to slowly break down your tooth’s enamel. That may lead to cavities. Just be aware of how much candy and sugary foods you are consuming and cut back if needed.

Tip #8: See Your Dental Health Professional Twice a Year

Having full dental cleanings twice a year is so important for the health of your mouth. They can spot issues that will be a problem in your mouth with the right x-rays and exams. Even though at Dr. Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery and Dental Implants, we do more extensive dental surgery like full mouth restoration or dental implants, we’re happy to recommend a regular dentist for you to see. In celebration of National Toothache Day, we hope that with the right daily dental hygiene plan and utilizing these tips, you’ll always have a healthy smile.