Good oral hygiene is vital to your overall oral health. Good oral hygiene includes flossing and brushing, but it is much more than that. You must know how to brush and floss properly and create and prioritize a routine that promotes your dental health. Our team at Markham Dental Center has put together the following tips to help you create an oral hygiene routine that will ensure your oral health stays in tip-top shape.
Always Brush Before Bed
The number one rule for maintaining your oral health is never going to bed without brushing. A dentist near you will tell you that brushing should always be done twice a day, but the nighttime ritual is specifically important. If you do not remove all the plaque and bacteria in your mouth before you sleep, they will eat away at your teeth all night.
Use the Correct Brushing Technique
Many people brush their teeth twice a day but use the wrong technique, reducing the effectiveness of their oral hygiene routines. The best way to brush your teeth involves these steps:
- Spend time making sure you reach every tooth surface
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath
- Move your toothbrush in gentle, circular motions
- Do not press hard on your teeth as this can lead to oral health issues down the road
- Use an electric toothbrush to help provide even pressure and cleaning
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Choosing a toothpaste can be overwhelming with so many options, but the number one rule to follow when choosing a toothpaste is to ensure it contains fluoride. Fluoride is excellent at removing harmful bacteria and strengthening your enamel. If you aren’t sure which toothpaste is best for you, ask your dentist in Winnipeg for recommendations.
Never Skip Flossing
Flossing is vital to your oral hygiene routine because it removes all the small particles of food between your teeth and stimulates your gums. Flossing just one time a day is enough to keep your mouth healthy.
Use Mouthwash
Many individuals believe that mouthwash is only for bad breath; however, mouthwash also reduces acid in the mouth and helps strengthen your teeth.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is the best choice of drink for your teeth because it doesn’t contain sugar. Water also contains natural fluoride and washes out residue and debris from your mouth without creating an acidic environment.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating healthy is good for your overall and oral health. The best foods for your teeth are fresh fruits and vegetables. Crunchy foods contain fiber and stimulation for your jaw. Try to avoid sugary and acidic foods as these encourage tooth decay.
Visit Markham Dental
Even if you follow all the above tips, home oral hygiene habits are insufficient to maintain optimal oral health. Generally, it would be best if you visited Markham Dental for dental hygiene near you at least once every six months. Your dental hygiene checkup will include:
- Oral cancer screenings
- Check for gum disease
- Check for plaque, tartar, and tooth decay
- Dental x-rays
- Full dental cleaning
At Markham Dental, we encourage our patients to stay involved with dental hygiene in Winnipeg. Our priority is to help you maintain optimal oral health for as long as possible. If you follow the above tips and visit our dental clinic at least once every six months, you can be sure to have healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
If you would like to learn more about protecting your oral health, or if you are due for a dental cleaning and checkup, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic and book a consultation today!