A Yukon dentist or any other dentist for that matter will tell you that maintaining good oral hygiene can help you keep a wonderful set of pearly whites for a long time. The routine that can help you attain good oral hygiene can create a significant effect on the health of your teeth.
Prevention is always much better than cure, and the same goes for your teeth. Keeping good oral hygiene can help a lot in preserving your teeth.
1. Brush Your Teeth Often and Do it Properly
Brushing is the best way to eliminate bacteria and food particles from the surface of your teeth. To make it more effective, brush your teeth at least twice a day. Each brushing should take two minutes or more.
It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid inflicting damage on the enamel. Use short back-and-forth strokes when brushing your teeth and make sure to dislodge the food particles from the teeth. It is likewise important to change your toothbrush regularly to ensure the proper functioning of the bristles.
2. Make it a Habit to Floss Every Day
There are places that the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach, such as the areas in between the teeth. If you are not able to remove the food particles in those areas, the tiny food particles will build up over time and cause gingivitis, decay, and other oral health issues.
Understand that flossing is not a substitute for brushing your teeth. You still need to brush your teeth regularly and floss after brushing.
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
You should pay your dentist a visit every six months and must put it into practice – never miss an appointment. Regular visits can help prevent a brewing dental problem into something worse. Also, it is important to go to your dentist immediately when you notice something off with your teeth.
People with known dental problems should visit the dentist every 3 or 4 months. Your dentist is the most reliable authority to consult if you have problems with your teeth.
4. Reduce or Avoid Sugar
Beverages and foods that contain too much sugar can damage your teeth. Your mouth is full of bacteria – some good, some bad. The bacteria need sugar to produce acids, which can harm the teeth. Cutting down your sugar consumption or totally eliminating it from your diet can help prevent the formation of acids that can damage the teeth.
5. Use Mouthwash
It is a known fact that mouthwash can give you a fresh breath. However, it can also help reduce the risk of having gingivitis and plaque. It can also help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Using mouthwash regularly can help you improve your oral health.
6. Limit Your Alcohol Intake and Stop Smoking
Your saliva can help wash away bacteria and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Alcohol can leave your mouth dry and reduce the flow of saliva and make it possible for bacteria to thrive in the mouth and cause oral problems. Smoking can do the same thing. Limiting your alcohol intake and not smoking can help you maintain proper saliva flow.
Maintain good oral hygiene by following these tips and don’t forget to consult your Yukon dentist right away if you suspect that you have a problem with your teeth.