When you are thinking about your general health, you may immediately consider whether or not you need to go to the gym more often, or perhaps incorporate healthier meals into your weekly routine. While these are all great places to start when it comes to your health and fitness, one thing that might not spring to mind straight away is the quality of your oral health. A lot of people might brush their teeth on auto-pilot in the morning and before they go to bed, but are you doing enough to truly achieve excellent oral health? Below are some tips to make sure that your pearly whites stay at their best.
Use Antiseptic Sprays
Having an oral antiseptic mouth spray at hand is beneficial. They treat mild oral irritations such as ulcers, for example, and prevent these from getting worse. A lot of sprays are small enough for you to carry with you in your bag throughout the day, which makes them convenient to use when you need them.
Remember to Floss
While it’s easy to brush off flossing as part of your teeth cleaning routine, you must try to do this every day. Even if you just incorporate flossing into your nightly teeth cleaning routine, doing so makes a big difference. Brushing alone won’t always reach between the gaps in your teeth, and this is often where bits of food get stuck. Plaque then builds up and heightens the risk of decay and tooth infection, even if you brush your teeth twice a day.
Consider Switching to an Electric Toothbrush
There are several benefits to switching to an electric toothbrush. Most models come with a built-in timer, as it is recommended that you brush your teeth for two minutes each time. Electric toothbrushes generally provide a deeper clean, and you will likely notice the difference between them and using a manual one.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great way to quickly freshen your breath, but it is also useful for getting rid of any excess food and toothpaste left in your mouth after brushing. Make sure that you’re getting a quality mouthwash that will be kind to your teeth and gums. Whether you use this twice daily or just once, it helps to improve the overall cleanliness of your mouth.
Go to Dental Check-ups
Most people have an irrational fear of going to the dentist. It’s not exactly a pleasant experience having someone poke around in your mouth, and if you have sensitive teeth the cleanings are typically uncomfortable. However, it is important to go to your dental check-ups to make sure that everything is healthy and there are no signs of potential issues. This will enable you to keep on top of your oral health.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
What you eat won’t just affect your weight or heart health, but also your teeth. While this might seem obvious, how your food is affecting your teeth isn’t always the first thing that people think about when considering their diet. Foods that are high in fats and sugars are more likely to encourage plaque buildup, and this can result in tooth decay and gum disease. Other lifestyle choices that have an impact on oral health include smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, so be mindful if making some changes to your eating habits and lifestyle helps improve your oral health.
Remember to think about your oral health the next time you are considering healthier lifestyle changes. Use the tips above and see how they can make a positive change to your overall well-being.
