Best Practices For A Healthy Smile

Good oral hygiene leads to a healthy smile. Practicing good oral hygiene helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Here are a few tips that will help you maintain good oral hygiene.

• Brushing and flossing

Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. However, it’s also important to floss after brushing so that it reaches the spaces between your teeth where your toothbrush can't reach and clean them effectively. You should also use mouthwash to help kill bacteria and prevent tooth decay and cavities. Mouthwash can also help freshen your breath and kill odor-causing germs. If you can’t brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to get rid of food particles and sugars. It’s also a good idea to carry some sugar-free gum with you wherever you go so that you can clean your teeth when you’re out having a meal.

While brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a low-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to clean all of your teeth and along the gum line. Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes as they may damage your gums and tooth enamel and may end up causing more harm than good in the long run. You also shouldn’t scrub too hard, or you can harm your teeth and gums by wearing away the protective layer of your tooth enamel. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or once the bristles start fraying to avoid spreading bacteria around your mouth.

• Choosing a healthy diet

Your diet plays a large role in your oral health. So, it's important that you make sure you’re eating the right foods for your teeth and body. When you eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet, your body will have the nutrients it needs to build strong, healthy bones and teeth. You should also avoid foods with added sugars as they can lead to the development of tooth decay and gum disease. Focus on foods that are low in sugar, full of nutrients, and high in fiber. Fiber is incredibly important because it aids in digestion. When you have a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, it can improve your immune system and reduce the amount of harmful bad bacteria that may enter your mouth and cause cavities. As for water, it’s best to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated and help flush out harmful bacteria.

• Quitting smoking

Smoking is detrimental to your health – not just your gums and teeth, but all parts of your body! Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your dental health and overall wellness. Your dentist can help you quit for good with smoking cessation counseling services. 

• Scheduling regular dental visits

It is important to make sure to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months to ensure that your smile is as healthy as possible. At these visits, we can remove plaque buildup from places your toothbrush can’t reach and also check for any signs that may indicate underlying issues.

To learn more about good oral care practices, call (647) 952-6388 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1881 Yonge St #403, Toronto, ON, M4S 3C4, Canada.