There is more to gain with good dental hygiene than just a bright smile. Your teeth reflect the state of your health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to several health complications from gum disease to diabetes, cancer, heart problems, and kidney disorders. For pregnant women, poor oral health affects the fetus too. There are greater chances of preterm labour and low birth weight. Proper daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are not just healthy habits but also save you more expenses in the long run.
Dental check-ups every six months prevent deeper problems such as root canals and other treatments that can cost you thousands of dollars to repair. Fresh breath and healthy teeth make you look attractive, feel confident and make you appear more responsible. Below are five good oral hygiene tips to get you started on this road, if you are not on it already.
5 Tips to Boost Good Dental Health
- Use the Right Toothbrush: Your brush has an important role to play to make sure your teeth are healthy. Avoid hard bristles. They may wear away the enamel. Use medium or soft bristles that will be gentle on your gums and tongue too. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle across the line where your teeth meet your gums. Never run it straight across or apply too much pressure. This might cause your gums to bleed. Use gentle pressure, brushing up and down, back and forth. Brush the roof of your mouth and the surface of your tongue to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Floss between your teeth: You may find flossing unnecessary if you have brushed well but your dentist will tell you that it’s not good enough. Flossing is a must because bits of food particles can get lodged between your teeth, leading to potential problems. Flossing removes these particles and all the potential problems with it. Do it at least once a day for effective results.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: If you visit your dentist every six months, you’re on the road to good dental health. They take X-rays to look at the state of your teeth beyond what you see. If there are any small cavities that need attention, they can do so before they worsen into bigger problems, saving you both discomfort and money.
- Avoid Unhealthy Beverages: For complete oral hygiene, you need to watch what you eat. Avoid smoking, sodas, sugary drinks, alcohol, and coffee as best as you can. They contain phosphorus which can bring down calcium levels in your body. If you go overboard on any of these drinks, your teeth can be permanently discoloured.
- Increase Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium is critical to strengthening bones and teeth. Milk and milk products are a good source of calcium. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, consume soy products, tofu, soybeans, green leaves such as bok choy, broccoli, kale, mustard leaves, Chinese cabbage and okra. Soak yourself in the sun in moderation to allow your bones to absorb vitamin D that is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Zinc, iron, and potassium are also important nutrients for healthy teeth too.
KR Dental – Your Oshawa Dentists since 1995
King Ritson Dental Clinic in Oshawa is well reputed to help customers maintain healthy smiles. With a team of 10 dentists and 25 dental hygienists, KR Dental provides a variety of treatments and services to serve any issue you may have with your oral health. Using advanced dental technology, we are committed to assisting you with a positive experience at affordable payment plans. Call us to guide you through your dental journey.