3 Habits For Better Oral Health

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Your teeth need daily care, and that includes brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. However, there are some lesser-known habits that ensure better oral health.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth

The importance of brushing and flossing cannot be understated when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. It’s best to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once per day. Proper flossing techniques are vital to ensure healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist can show you the proper way to floss so you can keep the beautiful smile you deserve. Flossing will remove the small pieces of food that get stuck in between your teeth and gums. These particles can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease if they aren’t removed in a timely manner. Having a clean mouth isn’t just about vanity; it’s an important part of your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to everything from cancer to heart conditions. Make flossing a habit today and you’ll have a healthier smile for years to come.

Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces, while flossing removes the plaque that hides between the teeth and along the gumline. It is important to remove plaque from both the outside and the inside surfaces of the teeth, as this bacterium can lead to cavities and gum disease. In fact, regular flossing can even help prevent bad breath! To clean the spaces between your teeth, you can use either traditional dental floss or an interdental cleaner, such as a water flosser. Ask your dentist to recommend the best product for you. 

Eat A Balanced Diet

In addition to brushing and flossing daily, eating a healthy diet is also essential for good oral health. The foods we eat affect our whole body as well as our teeth and gums. Foods that are high in sugar and starch are damaging to the teeth. Luckily, there are many foods that are good for your teeth! These include apples, carrots, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables. Drinking water throughout the day will also help rinse away food particles and keep your mouth hydrated. 

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Your teeth are an investment, and in order to keep them healthy for a lifetime, they should be cared for by a dentist regularly. Many patients choose to visit their dentist every six months for routine cleanings and examinations. However, some patients may need to visit more frequently due to gum disease or periodontal disease. Regular dental checkups provide your dentist with the opportunity to diagnose and treat any dental health issues as early as possible. This often saves time and money as treating dental problems early on is much less expensive and less time-consuming than treating them after they have advanced. While brushing and flossing at home is important, professional dental care is necessary for the optimal health of your smile.

Talk to our dentist in Austin today to find out which treatments are best for you. They will help you design your ideal treatment plan so you can achieve the beautiful smile you’ve been dreaming of. Contact About Smiles at 2555 Western Trails Blvd., Suite 104, Austin, TX 78745, or call (512) 444-5577.