Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important. Not only do a brighter healthier smile and fresher breath help you feel better throughout the day, but maintaining good oral health habits can help stave off more serious issues like tooth loss, serious gum disease and possibly even heart disease . Below are five easy steps to keep your mouth happy and health – while you have likely been advised of them before, let this article serve as a reminder and a convenient checklist to keep all the steps in one place.
- Floss Daily
Flossing your teeth daily or even twice per day is a great step towards staving off gum disease and bacteria that damages your teeth and enamel. Unfortunately, it can be a difficult habit to make and an easy one to break. If you often forget to floss, try putting a Post-It Note reminder on your bathroom mirror and leave the floss out where you can see it easily. When flossing, try working the piece of floss into the upper and lower gum areas on both sides of the tooth’s base to make sure you are not missing any plaque or food particles. - Brush Effectively
Hopefully, you are already brushing every day, but even if so, it’s important to make sure you are doing it properly. It is advised to brush for a full 2 minutes at least twice a day, and that you are brushing both front and back surfaces of the teeth and reaching all the way back to your rear molars. If you are able, it’s worth it to invest in an electric toothbrush for more consistent results. Doing so can save on costly and painful dental procedures down the road. - Don’t Forget the Mouthwash
When used consistently, mouthwash is a great addition to your home oral care routine. It can help supplement brushing and flossing (especially if you happen to forget one of the other) and some types of mouthwash can help fight off gum disease. Contrary to popular belief, mouthwash is just as effective before or after brushing and flossing. Try to look for a mouthwash that addresses your goals or concerns (for example, one that whitens teeth) and be sure to read the instructions. - Get Examined Regularly
Getting regular dental exams – most experts recommend twice yearly – can help identify warning signs of problems like cancer or gum disease. They can also help your dentist assess how effectively you are brushing, flossing and rinsing at home and if improvements must be made. If you have been putting off a dentist visit due to a lack of insurance, look for a practice that offers membership plans which can be comparable (and sometimes cheaper) than paying with insurance. - Get Periodic Professional Cleanings
Also advised twice per year, regular dental cleanings allow a dentist to remove bacteria and plaque buildup in areas that are difficult to reach with your home routine. The dentist will also have the tools necessary to remove tougher buildups which can accumulate if you haven’t seen a dentist for a while. Cleanings will leave your mouth with a clean and refreshed feeling that simply isn’t possible at home
If you have additional questions about keeping your and your family’s mouths healthy, call Petersen Family Dentistry today at (720) 308-9798 or visit us online .
