7 Steps To Good Oral Health In 2020

Are you looking to improve your oral health game?

From the time in which we were children, the importance of brushing our teeth has been continually preached. We know that brushing both upon waking and before bed is an essential part of our everyday oral routine.

But, as it turns out, proper treatment of our oral health involves more than just good brushing habits. As we continue to age, taking care of our oral health only becomes more important.

So, how can you better your oral health overall? Read on to discover seven simple yet effective tips on how to improve your oral health.

1. Visit the Dentist Regularly

First and foremost, it’s time to get serious about your dental visits!

If it’s been longer than you’d like to admit since you’re last dentist visit, your first step should be to book an appointment. From here, you can work to develop better habits in improving your overall oral health.

Your dentist will help to keep your teeth clean and your gums as healthy as possible. Remember, preventative measures are one of the best ways to improve your oral health in the long run!

2. Brush Properly

Of course, developing a healthy brushing routine is crucial.

But, it’s equally important to ensure that you’re making a point in brushing properly. Without doing so, you’re not giving your teeth a proper chance to be cleaned or to remove plaque. During any dental cleaning, your dentist will be able to assist you in understanding the proper brushing methods.

To start, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. From here, gently move the brush back-and-forth in short and simple strokes. Begin by cleaning the outside of your teeth before transitioning to the inside and then the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

In general, you should aim to replace your toothbrush every 12-16 weeks. This helps to ensure that the bristles of your toothbrush remain strong and effective.

3. Drink More Water

Short and simple, do your best to drink as much water throughout the day as you can.

At the end of the day, water is always going to be the most healthy beverage that we consume. This is especially in contrast to sugary drinks such as soda or even fruit juices.

When it comes to our oral health, water helps to flush out food particles that are stuck between your teeth. Water can also help to flush out some of the negative effects of excessively sticky or even acid food.

4. Don’t Ignore Your Tongue

Did you know that plaque can also build up on your tongue?

When it comes to our oral health, we often focus our attention on our gums and our teeth. With this, it’s common to forget that our tongue also plays a vital role in our oral health.

This is why incorporating tongue-brushing into your oral routine is so important. Each time that you brush your teeth, remember to gently brush your tongue. This is also going to help prevent poor mouth odor and more serious oral health problems.

5. Switch to an Electric Toothbrush

If you’ve yet to invest in a quality electric toothbrush, now is your time.

The movements and rotations of an electric toothbrush are known to remove plaque more effectively than a standard toothbrush. In fact, one study found that plaque was reduced by 21 percent after three months of use.

The vibrations of the head allow for greater micro-movements between your teeth. This is far more effective in removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Combined with routine flossing, this helps to ensure that you have limited particles building up between your teeth.

6. Floss, Floss, Floss

We all know just how important flossing is for our oral health.

In addition to regularly brushing our teeth, flossing is likely one of the most important practices preached by dentists. However, over 30 percent of the population admits to never flossing at all.

Flossing is important because it helps to remove food particles and soft plaque from your teeth. Without removal, plaque will continue to build over time and eventually harden. Once plaque begins to build, you’re more likely to experience tooth and gum disease.

7. Limit Your Sugar Intake

Just how much do you pay attention to your sugar intake?

When it comes to our oral health, it’s only natural to focus our attention on the art of brushing and flossing. However, it’s also crucial to consider our diet and what types of food and drink we are consuming.

That said, do your best to limit the amount of sugary food and beverages that you consume. When you choose to consume a sugary drink, try using a straw to divert the beverage from your teeth. Remember, sugar converts into acid in the mouth. This acid can erode the enamel on your teeth and eventually cause cavities.

A Simple Guide to Oral Health

Are you finally ready to take your oral health seriously?

We all know just how important our oral health is to our overall health. Yet, 1 in 4 Americans has untreated tooth decay. As we continue to grow older, the importance of taking care of our teeth becomes even more serious.

The good news is that improving your oral health doesn’t have to be so complicated. From routine dental visits and a quality toothbrush to flossing regularly and limiting our sugar intake, there’s more to oral health than simply brushing your teeth.

Of course, the first step in bettering your oral health is to book an appointment with your dentist. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment today, be sure to contact us!