Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Oral Health Tips: 3 Healthy Habits That You're Likely Ignoring

28 December 2018 by Charlotte Beck

There are a lot of things that you can do to achieve a health smile. For example, you can brush your teeth at least twice a day, visit your dentist twice a year, and avoid sugar-laden beverages and foods. However, there are also other things that you can do that you may not be thinking about. This article will outline three of them, and the good news is that they are simple actions that you can start taking immediately to promote a healthier smile.

1. Floss Regularly (At Least Once a Day)

Some people tend to believe that brushing is enough; however, the truth of the matter is that brushing does not reach all surfaces areas of your teeth. The bristles of your brush are unable to reach in between your teeth and get those hard-to-reach areas where food debris likes to get stuck and hide, nor can they get right below the gumline.

So, it is important to make sure that you are flossing at least once daily, and when you do, floss between each tooth and below the gumline. If you aren't used to flossing, be gentle when you start your routine as your gums will be sensitive to the process —they could bleed, so don't be startled if this happens.

2. Stay Hydrated

You probably know that water is good for the body, but it is good for your oral health as well. Water helps to maintain a healthy, clean mouth in a few different ways. For one, it can help wash away food debris from the teeth, helping to prevent the buildup of plaque and the formation of cavities. In addition, water can help to stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to naturally clean your teeth of harmful acids and maintain an appropriate pH level in the mouth.

So, the best thing that you can do is keep a bottle of water with you at all times. You can use this to rinse your mouth out after eating and to prevent dry mouth. This will not only keep you hydrated throughout the day, but it will also keep your teeth cleaner and fresher.

3. Avoid Your Late-Night Snacks

Who doesn't love a late-night snack here and there? Unfortunately, eating before hitting the sheets can do a lot of damage to your teeth, particularly if the snack you're eating is high in sugar or starch. Food sticks to the tooth's surface, offering fuel for the bad bacteria in the mouth that causes cavities. If you've already brushed your teeth before you eat, then you are risking sleeping overnight with food stuck between and on your teeth, leading to the unhealthy buildup of plaque and potentially tooth decay. So try to avoid any late-night snacks, and if you need something, drink a glass of water or brush your teeth afterward.

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