Everyone enjoys showing of a beautiful healthy smile, which is part of what makes good oral hygiene important. Caring for your teeth helps prevent infection, gum disease, bone loss, stroke, heart disease, and more. If you want to flash those pearly whites with confidence throughout the new year, we have some tips for you – in addition to scheduling your regular dental checkup and teeth whitening near Mt. Prospect.
Brushing Properly and Flossing
Always brush your teeth with the bristles at a 45-degree angle, keeping them in contact with both the tooth surface and the gum line. Brush with a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion – gently to avoid bleeding. Use this technique on both the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth. Lastly, clean the roof of your mouth tongue to remove bacteria that causes bad breath.
Try to brush at least twice a day – but if your lifestyle prevents this, thoroughly rinse your mouth after meals to minimize the amount of food that remains on your teeth and gums. Add mouthwash to your brushing routine whenever possible. Those that contain Listerine or chlorine dioxide provide the most benefit.
We know flossing is not anyone’s favorite activity – and sometimes you just don’t have time. Nevertheless, flossing removes food particles and other substances between the teeth that brushing and mouthwash cannot. Try to floss at least once a day to keep your smile healthy.
Avoid Tobacco, Limit Coffee, Soda, and Alcohol
All these substances are hard on the teeth for various reasons but avoiding tobacco will also save you from deeply stained teeth, serious periodontal complications, and oral cancer. Sodas, coffee, and alcohol all contain phosphorous, which is necessary for healthy teeth, but too much of this mineral will deplete the body’s level of calcium causing bone loss, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Furthermore, the dyes and additives in these beverages can stain and discolor your teeth. So, choose milk whenever possible, which helps to strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, or water which hydrates your body more effectively than sugary alternatives anyway.
See Your Dentist
Lastly, start the year off right with a visit to Schumer Family Dental Care. There is no substitute for a professional checkup and teeth whitening near Mt. Prospect.