4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Oral Health
WE’VE ALL HEARD that if we want healthy teeth, we should brush twice a day, floss once a day, and schedule regular dental cleaning appointments twice a year. Definitely keep doing those things, but if you want to step up your oral health game, here are a few easy ways to do that.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
One of the simplest ways you can improve your dental health and hygiene is to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. Vigorous brushing causes the bristles fray and reduce the brush’s cleaning ability. However, that’s not the only reason toothbrushes should be replaced regularly.
A lot of the bacteria we brush off our teeth stays on the bristles of our toothbrushes. Proper storage–meaning storing the toothbrush upright and letting it dry out between uses–can keep a toothbrush from getting smelly too fast. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months.
Use A Tongue-Scraper
Brushing your teeth twice daily is a no-brainer, but don’t forget your tongue! The same bacteria that flourishes on teeth can hide on your tongue too. Using a tongue scraper or just running your toothbrush over your tongue will leave your mouth feeling much fresher than if you only focus on your teeth and gums.
Don’t Brush Too Hard
Sometimes it seems like we need to really work when we brush to get all of the food particles and plaque off our teeth. However, if we brush too hard, we risk scraping away at the tooth enamel, which is your teeth’s first line of defense against decay. Brush gently or use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your teeth.
Eat Teeth-Friendly Foods
Many foods are bad for your teeth. Sugar and carbs feed the harmful bacteria living in your mouth and acidic drinks, like soda, can erode tooth enamel. Avoiding some of these foods will help but there are also plenty of foods you can eat that are actually good for your teeth.
Adding more cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, apples, carrots, celery, and almonds to your diet will make your teeth happy, whether by scrubbing them as you eat, fighting bad bacteria, treating gum disease, neutralizing your mouth’s pH, or remineralizing your enamel.
How Are Your Teeth Doing?
If it’s been a while since your last dental exam, we’d love to see how your teeth are doing. Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is a full service dental practice with two beautiful locations in Brookline, MA and on Boston’s South Shore. We offer a full array of services ranging from general dentistry to full smile makeovers. Visit Smileboston online for more information and to schedule an appointment.
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