If you’re looking for ways to boost your dental health, look no further! Here are some daily habits that you can work into your routine to maintain the healthiest mouth possible.
1. Proper Brushing
Brushing is something everyone does, some better than others. It’s important to make sure you are brushing properly and efficiently and for the right amount of time. Here are some tips on how to properly brush your teeth:
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes (brush to your favorite song or set a timer!)
- Brush in a circular motion with medium pressure to avoid damaging gum tissue.
- Brush your tongue. Did you know plaque also builds up on the surface of your tongue? In most cases, it looks like a white film and discolors the muscle. Not only will brushing your tongue on a daily basis better your overall dental health, it will also improve halitosis (bad breath).
2. Floss
In order to floss correctly, make sure you are flossing thoroughly on both sides of the tooth. Work the floss in a “C” motion around each tooth to ensure you are cleaning the interproximal areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. If you are an orthodontic patient wearing braces, it’s important to utilize floss threaders to get in those hard to reach spaces. At Fry Orthodontics, we recommend flossing with these daily to avoid plaque build up around brackets and wires.
3. Use Products that Contain Fluoride
Using fluoride is a great/easy way to boost your dental health! Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing down the process of enamel breaking down and increasing the rate of remineralization process. The enamel of your tooth is hard yet porous. Because of this, plaque that sits on the surface of your teeth can produce acids that go into the pores of the enamel causing it to break down its structure from the inside. If left untreated a weak spot can form resulting in a cavity.
Here are some examples of how you can introduce fluoride into your dental health routine:
- Fluoride Mouthwash- Each braces patient who starts treatment at Fry Orthodontics is given a bottle of Fluoride mouthwash.
- Fluoride Toothpaste- Most toothpastes contain fluoride! Make sure to check the label before purchasing.
- Visit your general dentist– At your routine dental check up’s, your dental hygienist uses fluoride to deep clean your teeth.
- Drink tap water- Tap water contains fluoride which will naturally help strengthen your teeth. In fact, studies show that drinking tap water can decrease your chances of getting a cavity by up to 50%! Click here to learn more.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is essential, but some may not realize the positive benefits it may have on your smile. By simply drinking plain water while eating, you are helping clean away excess food particles that may be sitting on your teeth. However, drinks such as coffee, tea, or flavored water may contain added sugars or acidity that can cause cavities.
Water does not stain or damage teeth, making it the healthiest beverage choice when choosing to boost your dental health.
5. Eat Healthy
You’ve heard it from your doctor time and time again, and now you’re hearing it from your orthodontist! The foods you choose to consume will ultimately have an effect on your teeth one way or the other. Here are some healthy food options that you can add into your daily routine:
- Crisp Fruits & Raw Vegetables- Chewing a crispy apple, or munching on some carrots or celery can do a lot of benefit for your oral health. Not only will these foods help clean plaque off of your teeth, but they can also naturally freshen your breath. The nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables are also healthy for your gums and protect against cell damage.
- Leafy greens- Kale, spinach and other dark colored greens are high in calcium which is helpful when trying to boost your dental health. Calcium repairs enamel, preventing cavities from forming.
- Nuts- Did you know the crunching of nuts while chewing produces extra saliva which aids in cleaning your teeth? Almonds and walnuts are also high in Vitamin D and calcium – both of which can help strengthen your teeth.
For more information on boosting your dental health, visit www.fryorthodontics.com.
If you’re thinking about getting braces or Invisalign, now is the time to begin improving your oral health. Schedule a free in-office or video exam today and talk with our doctor about how orthodontics could benefit you. At Fry Orthodontics, we believe your smile is just the start to many wonderful things in life!