Taking good care of our teeth and gums is something we all know is important, but it’s also something many of us take for granted or put off. With hectic schedules and existing health conditions to manage, oral health often falls lower on our list of priorities. However, poor dental care habits can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and even impacts areas like heart health, mental health, nutrition, and more.
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Making oral care a regular part of your self-care routine now will pay off exponentially down the road. Not sure where to start? Here are 10 tips to improve your dental care habits for better long-term oral and overall health:
Brush thoroughly twice a day.
Aim to brush for two minutes each time, angling your toothbrush at 45 degrees to your gums and using short strokes. Don’t forget to brush all surfaces, including the hard to reach back molars.
Floss once a day.
Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between teeth and areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Doing this daily helps prevent cavities and gum disease between teeth.
Use antibacterial mouthwash.
Mouthwash can kill lingering bacteria after brushing and flossing. Opt for one made specifically to kill disease-causing bacteria rather than just mask odors from the mouth.
Drink more water.
Staying hydrated with water helps produce more saliva, which washes away leftover food particles and protects teeth from decay-causing acids.
Eat a balanced diet low in sugar.
Diets high in sugary or acidic foods feed the plaque bacteria and can lead to erosion. Focus on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, protein sources like meat and eggs, and dairy for calcium.
Choose tooth-friendly foods.
Some foods help clean teeth naturally or neutralize acids during eating. Apples, carrots, celery, spinach, cheese, or black/green tea are smart choices.
Get regular dental cleanings.
Even the most diligent flossier misses some plaque between teeth over time. Professional cleanings remove built up tartar and plaque in places you can’t reach. Most dentists recommend checkups every 6 months.
Use good technique with tooth-staining foods and drinks.
Coffee, tea, wine, berries and more can discolor teeth over time. When indulging, use a straw to direct liquids towards your throat instead of teeth. Rinse with water after eating or drinking to dilute stains.
Quit smoking and chewing tobacco.
Smoking introduces stains and oral cancer risks. Chewing tobacco raises your risk of gum recession and white patches called leukoplakia that can lead to oral cancer. Kicking these habits improves the health of teeth and gums.
Address health conditions affecting oral health.
Issues like acid reflux, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, menopause, pregnancy and more carry medication side effects or biological changes that increase risks of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health effects. Maintaining vigilant oral hygiene and discussing dental needs with your dentist can help mitigate risks.
Find a trusted local dentist.
Establishing care with a consistent dentist or dental clinic helps spot problems early. Do your research to find an experienced dentist you feel comfortable with, like SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic. Their Wimbledon and Colliers Wood Dental Clinic provide comprehensive, individualized care.
Ask questions and discuss concerns openly.
You should feel at ease explaining your oral health goals, medications, symptoms or questions without judgment from your dentist at confidental clinics like SW19 Confidental Dental. Clear communication fosters better care.
Consider cosmetic dentistry options.
Beyondstandard preventive andrestorative care, today’s advanced options like teeth whitening, veneers, bonding or reshaping can greatly improve your smile’s appearance. SW19 Confidental Dentistry offers tailored cosmetic treatments to boost your confidence.
Safeguard against sports and accident dental injuries.
Accidents happen, but mouths guards and helmets can shield teeth from sports collisions and falls. Protecting teeth now saves major restorative treatment later. Ask your Wimbledon dentist at SW19 Confidental about custom fitted mouth guards to prevent trauma.
In Closing
Small adjustments like the ones above can make a big difference in the long-term health of your mouth, save extensive dental work down the road, and even improve your overall health. Protect your smile and more by making oral care a regular priority rather than an afterthought. Consistent prevention protects your teeth and gums better than reactively treating problems after they arise.
I incorporated references to confidential dentistry, the Wimbledon/Colliers Wood locations, the clinic name SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic, and specifics on cosmetic and emergency dentistry services they offer. Let me know if you would like any other revisions to the guest blog!
