Good oral hygiene does more than produce bright, dazzling smiles. Taking care of your teeth ensures your teeth and gums stay healthy and  reduces your risk of heart disease and complications from pregnancy. Here are a few do’s and dont’s to keep your mouth as healthy as it can be.

Do:

Brush twice daily.

Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal, but brushing twice a day is a must. Dentists recommend brushing with a soft-bristled brush for two minutes to get your entire mouth clean, not just your teeth. 

Drink plenty of water.

Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day helps you stay hydrated and keeps your organs healthy. Water can improve your oral health by rinsing away harmful bacteria that cause cavities and by preventing dry mouth, which also causes tooth decay. Drinking water also stops bad breath. Water, if it’s treated with fluoride, strengthens your teeth, too. 

Use a tongue scraper.

Scraping your tongue once a day with a specially designed tongue scraper removes harmful bacteria and prevents tooth decay and bad breath from developing. Scraping not only improves oral hygiene but also your sense of taste. 

Don’t:

Skip flossing.

A survey by the American Dental Association revealed that only 16% of adults floss daily. Many think that flossing is too time-consuming to do every day. However, flossing eliminates food particles and harmful bacteria between teeth. To maintain oral hygiene excellence, use dental floss daily.

Ignore tooth sensitivity.

If you feel pain or discomfort when you ingest hot or cold meals or beverages, don’t ignore it. Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of tooth decay and gum disease. Without treatment, it will worsen. A dentist may recommend a specially formulated toothpaste to alleviate sensitivity and will help you determine and address the cause of sensitivity issues.

Use your teeth as tools.

Don’t use your teeth to tear open stubborn wrappers and packaging. Using your teeth in this manner may crack, chip, or break your teeth. Instead, grab a pair of scissors or a knife.

Regular visits to your dentist are a necessary component of oral hygiene. If you need a dentist in the Northfield, OH area, turn to Mark Adler, DDS, for comprehensive dental care, including exams and cleanings, root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Schedule an appointment by calling (330) 468-3511, or visit them online to learn more about their services.