Best Tips for Optimal At-Home Dental Care
For all the work they do, our teeth often get very little attention from us. We brush once, maybe twice a day, and floss once in a while. We may know we should do more, but we tell ourselves that it will be fine, that our six-month checkups will take care of it all.
In reality, dental checkups can only be effective when we’re doing our part at home. Keeping our teeth brushed is only one small element in a good dental care routine. In this post, we’ll look at the best practices you can adopt at home if you want your smile to last a lifetime.
Do: Floss Your Teeth Daily
Toothbrush designs have advanced significantly in the last few decades, but there are still places your toothbrush can’t reach. Food particles too small to be felt can get stuck between teeth and beneath the gums, and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
For daily oral health, take an 18” piece of dental floss and floss between every tooth all the way to the gum line. Keep the floss in a C-shape around the tooth, which cleans more and is less irritating to the gums. It may seem tedious, but a few extra minutes will significantly reduce your risk of cavities.
Don’t: Brush Too Hard
Your teeth are strong, but like rocks at the seashore, they can be worn down over time. Constant hard brushing will gradually wear down your tooth enamel. Instead, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush gently, letting the toothpaste do much of the work. If you have a bad habit of hard brushing, some electric toothbrushes will alert you if you press too hard.
Do: Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Toothbrush bristles wear down over time and become less effective. For best results, change your brush every three months or when the bristles look worn, whichever comes first. Many modern toothbrushes have blue bristles that turn clear, serving as a helpful guide. Also be sure to change your toothbrush after a viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold or flu.
Don’t: Use Your Teeth as Tools
Chewing on ice may sound like a great way to cool down on a hot day, but if you don’t want to make an emergency trip to the dentist, keep your ice in the cup where it belongs. Your teeth are strong, but not invulnerable, and using them as tools can lead to lasting damage. To avoid fracturing or breaking your teeth, never use your teeth to tear, cut, crush, or chew on anything you aren’t supposed to swallow.
Do: Wear a Mouthguard for Contact Sports
If you participate in an activity where serious damage could occur, a mouthguard may be the only thing that keeps your teeth in place if an accident happens. Many sports even require the use of a mouthguard to participate. They may not be fun to wear, but you’ll likely enjoy having a gap where your tooth used to be even less.
Keep to these simple rules, and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. For more advice on maintaining your dental health, contact our office in Kitchener, Ontario.