With studies linking oral health to overall health, taking good care of your teeth is now more important than ever. Raymond Martin, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA) was quoted as saying “…in many cases, the condition of the mouth mirrors the condition of the body as a whole.”
Start the New Year off by identifying some ways to improve your dental hygiene routine. Set a personal goal of paying more attention to the health of your teeth and gums. Here are some tips from the ADA.
Start the New Year off by identifying some ways to improve your dental hygiene routine. Set a personal goal of paying more attention to the health of your teeth and gums. Here are some tips from the ADA.
Make Sure You’re Brushing Properly
• Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, twice a day. Set an egg timer, or brush for the entire length of a song you hear on the radio.
• Replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head for an electric brush) before the bristles start to fray — on average, every three to four months.
• If you’ve just consumed a highly acidic food or beverage (e.g., citrus, wine, coffee, soft drinks), wait at least an hour to brush.
• Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, twice a day. Set an egg timer, or brush for the entire length of a song you hear on the radio.
• Replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head for an electric brush) before the bristles start to fray — on average, every three to four months.
• If you’ve just consumed a highly acidic food or beverage (e.g., citrus, wine, coffee, soft drinks), wait at least an hour to brush.
Perfect Your Flossing Techniques
• Floss for two to three minutes, once a day, even if it irritates your gums. The ADA says your gums will become tougher as you continue to floss.
• Waxed, unwaxed, flavored and unflavored flosses are all equally capable of cleaning and removing plaque. If you have a lot of bridgework, wide floss or dental tape may be helpful.
• Use a floss holder if you struggle with dexterity or are just beginning to floss.
• Floss for two to three minutes, once a day, even if it irritates your gums. The ADA says your gums will become tougher as you continue to floss.
• Waxed, unwaxed, flavored and unflavored flosses are all equally capable of cleaning and removing plaque. If you have a lot of bridgework, wide floss or dental tape may be helpful.
• Use a floss holder if you struggle with dexterity or are just beginning to floss.
Watch Your Consumption
• Limit your intake of carbonated beverages. If possible, replace these beverages with alternatives such as water, milk, tea or coffee.
• Use a straw to drink sugary beverages, limiting their contact with your teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum containing xylitol after eating; this cleanses your mouth and prevents cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, full of nutrients for your teeth.
• Quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Limit your intake of carbonated beverages. If possible, replace these beverages with alternatives such as water, milk, tea or coffee.
• Use a straw to drink sugary beverages, limiting their contact with your teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum containing xylitol after eating; this cleanses your mouth and prevents cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, full of nutrients for your teeth.
• Quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
See Your General Dentist Twice a Year
• Make an appointment every six months for a professional examination and cleaning. A good dentist will detect any emerging problems and nip them in the bud. Early intervention can stave off more serious complications in the long run.
• Make an appointment every six months for a professional examination and cleaning. A good dentist will detect any emerging problems and nip them in the bud. Early intervention can stave off more serious complications in the long run.
If you would like more suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or you’d like to finally replace that missing tooth that’s been nagging you, Orlando dental implants provider Ronald Trevisani would be happy to help. Please contact our practice today.
