Dental Tips & Tricks

Good oral hygiene habits are the basic foundation for a healthy smile. However, many people struggle with proper oral hygiene. Fortunately, with a few small adjustments, you can improve your oral hygiene habits and have a healthier smile. Here are a few facts, tips, and tricks for better oral health.

Don’t brush too hard.

When you brush your teeth, do so gently to avoid damaging your enamel. Many people don’t realize that brushing too aggressively can cause receding gums. When you do this, your gums will recede and expose the roots of your teeth, which also weakens them. You can also cause gum recession by using a toothbrush with bristles that are too stiff. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to properly clean your teeth without causing damage.

Don’t forget to floss!

Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that may be between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps to prevent tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues caused by bacteria buildup in hard-to-reach places in the mouth. You should floss your teeth once a day. Make sure you also floss before you brush so that you don’t accidentally swallow any toothpaste while flossing.

Don’t forget about your tongue.

Bacteria can also build up on your tongue and cause bad breath. Adding a tongue scraper to your oral hygiene routine can help to remove these bacteria and freshen your breath. A tongue scraper is inexpensive and easy to use. It only takes a few seconds to use one. Simply scrape your tongue with the help of this tool after you’ve brushed your teeth. That way, you can make sure that any residual food particles are removed from your mouth completely.

Regular dental cleanings prevent heart attacks

Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, mucus, and food particles. This inflammation-causing bacteria can put you at a greater risk for heart attack or stroke. Several studies have found that those who visited their dentist every six months have a lower chance of developing cardiovascular disease than those who went less frequently. In fact, the more often you see your dentist, the lower your risk. The study found that visiting the dentist more than twice a year reduced the risk of heart attack by 45%.

Aging affects dental health

While aging is a natural process of the body, many people struggle with how aging affects their dental health. As a person ages, the biological processes of their body change, and their immune system becomes weaker. This can make the immune system more vulnerable to oral bacteria. This is why seniors are at a greater risk of contracting gum disease. Seniors with periodontitis are generally more at risk for developing infections such as pneumonia or heart disease.

Many seniors are also affected by dry mouth. The salivary glands produce less saliva as people age. Saliva is necessary to help wash away food particles, cleanse the mouth, and keep the mouth moist and comfortable throughout the day. Without enough of this natural substance, seniors have a higher risk of developing cavities and other oral issues. Some medications used to treat conditions like arthritis can cause dry mouth as a side effect.

Besides staying on top of oral hygiene habits at home, regular visits to the dentist are highly recommended for keeping your smile healthy as you age.

Baby bottle tooth decay and prevention

Babies who are put to bed with a bottle can cause significant tooth decay. The sugar in the milk or juice can pool around your baby’s teeth and gums and lead to a painful infection called “baby bottle tooth decay.” This can start as young as six months old. Why does this happen? Well, it happens when babies fall asleep while sucking on bottles filled with sugary liquids. As they sleep, the saliva mixed with the sugar from the formula stays in their mouth for an extended period of time. This can lead to a lot of problems for the little ones. This can include cavities, early orthodontic problems, and even problems with speech development.

So what do you do to prevent this type of tooth decay from happening? Mostly, avoid giving your child a bottle in bed. And if you do give them one, make sure they’re drinking plain water. Also, make sure you clean their teeth before bed.

Foods and drinks to avoid for good oral health

Some foods and beverages can increase your chances of developing cavities. For instance, candy or sticky sweets such as caramel or gummy candies that stick to the teeth can be problematic because they aren’t easily washed away or removed from your mouth with saliva. The sugar in these treats can also create an environment that’s more conducive to tooth decay.

In addition to avoiding sugary foods and drinks, you should also avoid those that are acidic. Acidic beverages may erode tooth enamel and encourage the development of cavities. Examples of these drinks include soda and dark fruit juices. If you do consume such items, you should drink them through a straw to prevent the liquid from coming into direct contact with your teeth.

Prevent knocked-out teeth?

If you or your child lose a permanent tooth, it is important to call your dentist right away. The chances of the tooth surviving are much higher the sooner you come into the dentist’s care. Do not touch the root of the tooth, but instead, gently rinse it off with water, being very careful not to put too much pressure on the root. If possible, try to put the lost permanent tooth back in its socket, but do not force it. If you cannot place it back in place yourself, keep it in either milk or water and bring it with you to your emergency visit with the dentist. It is very important to see a dentist as soon as possible after the incident.