11 Tips on Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Maintaining good oral health requires a lifetime of care. This means protective measures should be taken every day to prevent problems and ensure optimal dental health. Today we will be discussing 11 simple tips that can improve your oral hygiene routine and oral health.

1. Don’t sleep without brushing your teeth

Your Winnipeg dentist has likely emphasized the importance of brushing twice per day, yet many of us fail to do so. So how bad is falling asleep without brushing? Well…If you don’t brush before bed, bacteria and plaque will remain in your mouth until the next day.

2. Properly brush

Even if you are brushing twice per day it won’t guarantee a clean mouth. Why? Improper brushing is almost as bad as not brushing at all. This means you may need to evaluate your brushing techniques. Be sure to brush in a gentle, circular motion using a soft-bristle toothbrush for at least two minutes. When the plaque is not properly eliminated, it can cause calculus buildup and gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.

3. Brush your tongue too

Plaque buildup can also occur on your tongue and can lead to oral health problems. In fact, this may be the reason behind your bad breath. An easy way to remove plaque buildup on your tongue is to purchase a tongue scraper from your local drugstore.

4. Use a fluoride toothpaste

Not all kinds of toothpaste are equal and each one has a different purpose. You should always make sure the toothpaste you are using contains fluoride. This mineral is naturally found in ground- and ocean water and can prevent tooth decay and provides a protective barrier for your teeth.

5. Prioritize flossing

Brushing is not enough. Flossing regularly removes food particles between the teeth and reduces decay-causing plaque, helping to lower inflammation in the gums.

6. Find the right dental products

Flossing can be difficult for children as well as older adults with arthritis. This doesn’t mean you should give up flossing altogether, it just means you need some assistance. There are many dental tools and products such as ready-to-use dental flossers that can make this process smoother and more efficient. You can also find tools to help you floss your teeth at your Winnipeg dental clinic.

7. Consider using mouthwash

Adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine is highly beneficial for your teeth and gums. This is because, mouthwash reduces the amount of acid in your mouth, cleans hard-to-reach areas and remineralizes the teeth. Ask your Winnipeg dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations during your next visit.

8. Stay hydrated

Don’t forget to drink water throughout the day. Drinking water between meals rinses your mouth and removes food particles and bacteria. As a rule of thumb, sip on a glass of water after every meal to keep your mouth clean and moisturized.

9. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber such as apples, carrots, and broccoli are great options for your teeth. Munching on these can help clean plaque from your teeth and freshen your breath.

10. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods

Whenever you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth feeds off it and produces harmful acids. These acids can destroy your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. Drinking tea, coffee, and eating acidic fruits can also lead to the wear down of your tooth enamel.

11. Schedule regular checkups

You should visit your Winnipeg dental office every 6 months for a professional cleaning and exam. This can identify potential oral issues and will keep your teeth bright, clean and free from plaque.