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Doing some summer cleaning? While you’re busy beating rugs, cleaning curtains and organizing cabinets, don’t forget to check your bathroom counter! Add these four items to your checklist to include dental hygiene in your battle plan. While you’re at it achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.
Replace old or worn toothbrushes
Get in the habit of changing your toothbrush every three months. The ability of a toothbrush to reach small crevices decreases as its bristles wear down. Bacterial and viral infections are another reason to switch out an old toothbrush for a new one. Infectious agents can thrive among the bristles, with the potential to reinfect you, so make sure to toss your toothbrush after every cold.
Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth
It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
Brush properly
The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease). Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
Check the expiration date on your mouthwash
Most mouthwash has a shelf life that should be indicated on the bottle. Using mouthwash past the expiration date can affect not only its taste but also its effectiveness, so double check that yours is still good to go.
Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth.
Use a fluoride toothpaste
When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride. While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
Replenish your floss supply
The recommended length of floss is 18 inches per flossing session. With a daily flossing schedule, that adds up to roughly 45 feet of floss a month! Stock up to avoid running out.
Treat flossing as important as brushing
Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. Flossing is a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area. Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits.
Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you
Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.
Drink more water
Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, drink a glass of water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables
Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth.
Limit sugary and acidic foods
Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.
Schedule a dentist appointment
With cleanings recommended for every six months, regular visits to the dentist should already be a part of your schedule. If you’ve been skimping on these visits, or a new problem has popped up, call your dental office to set up an appointment. Seeing your dentist regularly is a good way to spot – and stop – problems before they become bigger, pricier and painful. Spring and fall are excellent times to book cleanings, as these seasons may be the least likely to conflict with potential vacation plans. Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.
Ocala Dental Care
Ocala Dental Care is a restorative dentist office dedicated to offering exceptional care from dental basics to extensive procedures, all within a warm, inviting setting. They provide comprehensive restorative and general dentistry services to patients, including dental hygiene cleanings, root canals, endodontics, dental implants, dentures, crowns, and full mouth reconstruction.
For health concerns and aesthetics, their metal-free prosthetics made with advanced materials in their on-site lab, both restore functionality and complete your smile without unsightly metal.
Ocala Dental Care has three master dentists on staff, dental implant specialists Dr. Manual DeLeon and Dr. H. Salifu, along with a general and restorative dentist Dr. Jeffrey Metcalfe. With three dentists at your service, the can prioritize patient procedures and time management, paying particular attention to your comfort and superiority of work.
They understand the financial elements that the patients have to decide upon and offer flexible payment plans to help them receive the quality dentistry they need.
Members of the FDA and Central Florida District Dental Association, they have been serving patients for more than 30 years and look forward to serving all of your dental needs.
If you or someone you know is concerned about their oral health, or if you need a check-up, please contact Ocala Dental Care today.
Ocala Dental Care
2415 SW 27th Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
352-237-6196
www.OcalaDentalCare.com
