If we want a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile, we need to develop good daily habits. Keep reading for 5 things you can do every single day to protect your teeth.
Brush twice a day for 2 minutes
According to the American Dental Association, we should not rush when we brush our teeth, nor should we spend too long brushing. Two minutes is the recommended time to give your mouth the proper clean it needs. Four minutes is considered to be too much time cleaning your teeth. Too much time brushing can cause damage to your gums and can even wear down tooth enamel. When tooth enamel begins to erode, it can cause increased sensitivity and pain. To make sure you are not over brushing, stick to the recommended 2 minutes twice a day.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is important. A soft-bristled toothbrush is usually the most comfortable. Medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage gums and even cause your gums to recede. For best results, use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste to remove bacteria and food from your mouth without damaging your gums.
Be especially attentive in the morning
During the night while you were sleeping, bacteria and plaque have been allowed to proliferate. When bacteria builds up, it causes bad breath. This is why “morning breath” is never pleasant until we brush and clean our mouths. In addition to smelling and tasting unpleasant, increased levels of bacteria can lead to gum disease, so be sure to make brushing your teeth a morning habit.
Daily Flossing
Daily flossing is essential to healthy teeth and gums. Your toothbrush cannot reach in between your teeth and because of this, brushing does not replace flossing. When we fail to floss, bacteria is allowed to flourish and grow, leading to cavities and gum disease.
Replace soda with healthier drinks
Soda is one of the major causes of tooth decay. Unfortunately, it’s not just the sugar, it’s also the acid, so diet soda is off-limits too. Rather than drink soda on a daily basis, sip it only on special occasions or avoid it completely. This is a good lifestyle change, as drinking soda is found to be associated with a range of health risks.
Westbrook House Dental Implant Centre
Westbrook House Dental Surgery is a private practice in the heart of Newbury with a focus on highly-skilled, high-tech dental care. From dental implants to Invisalign and Air-Flow, we’ve invested in the latest technologies to ensure our patients have access to the very best evidence-based treatments. Call today to book your appointment or fill out our contact form and click Send.
