Taking care of your oral health is very important. Having a bright, healthy smile gives you confidence and makes it easier for you to talk and chew your food. Keeping up with your oral hygiene and seeing your dentist (such as one from Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry) twice a year for checkups and cleanings contribute to your overall oral health. There are also steps that you can take outside of regular brushing and flossing to take care of your teeth and gums. These small steps are easy to implement, and are also incredibly affordable. The final result is knowing that you are safeguarding your beautiful smile. Here are three highly effective habits for a healthy smile.
Carry travel-sized mouthwash in your bag.
Fluoridated mouthwash not only makes your breath fresh, it also helps to keep damage from plaque-causing bacteria to a minimum. It achieves this by strengthening your tooth enamel, making it less likely to degrade when it comes into contact with acid produced by gunky plaque. Keep fluoride's benefits at your fingertips by carrying travel-sized mouthwash in your purse or backpack. You can also drink fluoridated water to help wash away food particles and reap the benefits of fluoride for your smile.
Replace your toothbrush every three months.
Your toothbrush is the primary tool used to clean your teeth and gums. Over time, microorganisms collect on the surfaces of your toothbrush, lowering its ability to effectively clean your teeth and gums. Further, these microorganisms can repopulate in your mouth and cause an infection. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles of your toothbrush become worn out before you reach three months of use, then you should replace your toothbrush at that point as well. Frayed bristles cannot effectively remove plaque and food particles.
Structure your diet to support oral health.
Moderating your intake of sugary desserts certainly helps to decrease your risk of developing cavities. However, you can also take further steps toward optimal oral health by structuring your diet to support it. Make sure that you eat plenty of nutrient-dense foods, especially dairy foods. Pack with phosphorus and calcium, dairy foods help to strengthen your teeth by replacing lost mineral mass caused by chewing and grinding your teeth. You should also eat plenty of crunchy vegetables and fruits; these kinds of foods require vigorous chewing, which stimulates saliva production. The increased saliva helps to wash away trapped food particles.
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