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Best Habits for Healthy Teeth

Posted by Dr. Julie Boudreault On 20-07-2022

Everyone wants to have healthy teeth. We want them to be as white and firm as the teeth we see in toothpaste commercials. Of course, it is also desirable to have fresh breath. However, poor oral hygiene leads to unhealthy teeth, which could have adverse effects such as bad breath and even oral diseases like oral cancer and gum disease. 

You can avoid the negative effects of poor oral hygiene when you develop dental cleaning habits that are good for your teeth. At Milltown Dental, we believe that having a good understanding of oral hygiene will help our patients improve their oral health. That is why we have compiled a list of the best habits that will help you maintain good oral hygiene and keep your teeth healthy.

What is oral hygiene?

Oral hygiene involves actively cleaning your mouth to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and regular dental appointments are some ways to maintain your oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is essential to dental care, which is why it requires you to maintain consistently good habits. 

You can avoid dental diseases with proper dental care orientation, professional dental cleaning, and good oral hygiene. Below are some healthy habits that will significantly improve your oral hygiene, strengthen your teeth and gums, and ensure the health of your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Dental checkups may seem like a hassle, but visiting your dentist every six months will ensure that your oral problems are quickly identified and resolved. Your dentist will check for plaque, cavities, rotting, and gum inflation, as these are all initial warning signs of dental diseases that could weaken your teeth.

A single trip to the dentist could potentially save you from losing your teeth. After a few quick observations, your dentist can easily tell if you have not been brushing or flossing the right way. They could also recommend customized dental plans to help keep your teeth functioning optimally.

Brush Your Teeth

Your dental health will significantly improve if you brush your teeth twice daily. However, dental diseases will develop if you do not wash your teeth efficiently and frequently. Sometimes, plaque may remain on your teeth even when you brush them regularly. That could mean you are using the wrong technique. The best method is to brush your teeth rotationally at a 45-degree angle for at least two minutes to get all the tartar out.

Fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush are the necessary tools for brushing your teeth properly. Changing your toothbrush every three months or whenever it shows signs of wearing is also important. Properly brushing your teeth ensures their continued health as well as that of your gums.

Floss Consistently

Using dental floss is another way to keep your teeth clean. Flossing can prevent bad breath and bacteria since the floss reaches parts of your teeth that a toothbrush cannot. Flossing also gets rid of any dirt or food particles lodged between your teeth. There are numerous options for dental floss, including floss picks, water flossers, dental tape, and waxed and unwaxed floss.

The most common argument against flossing is that it causes bleeding gums. It is true that when you floss for the first time, your gums may become inflamed. However, the inflammation is caused by the grime in your mouth rather than the floss. Consistent flossing will keep your gums healthy and plaque-free, effectively preventing bloody gums. If your gums continue to bleed, you should see your dentist right away because this could be an early sign of a more serious inflammation issue.

Properly Scrub Your Tongue

Nobody likes bad breath. One way to avoid it is to ensure the cleanliness of your tongue. It is a good idea to clean your tongue while brushing your teeth since your tongue absorbs a lot of your mouth’s bacteria. Failing to clean your tongue properly can lead to yeast infections, tooth decay, cavities, and even a change in the taste of your food.

You can clean your tongue with a tongue scraper or a toothbrush. Move the brush or scraper back and forth gently to remove the mucus on your tongue’s surface. Some toothbrushes also have built-in tongue scrapers, which you can scrub your tongue with before or after brushing.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your diet plays a significant role in ensuring that your teeth and gums are healthy. Avoiding high-sugar foods can help prevent cavities. Sugar increases the acidity of your mouth, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. It also eats away at the surface of your teeth.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will protect your teeth from bacteria. Try to eat foods that are high in calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C, and cut down on sugary foods like candies and desserts. Vegetables such as carrots, celery, broccoli, and lettuce, contain large amounts of vitamin A and C as well as fluoride. These foods will help strengthen your teeth and improve your dental health.

What if my teeth are already damaged?

Using correct brushing and flossing techniques, eating right, and maintaining other healthy oral hygiene habits will significantly improve your oral health. However, only a professional can look inside your mouth and assess your teeth to determine whether they are damaged and require treatment. Thus, If you experience any dental issues, visit your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

At Milltown Dental, we prioritize your oral health. Our dentists are well-equipped to provide dental cleaning services that will keep you smiling confidently and protect your teeth from oral diseases.

To book an appointment or learn more about dental cleaning, call Milltown Dental at 905-878-8528 or contact us here.

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