Your smile is the first thing most people will notice about you. Many of us consider our smiles our most important physical feature, but surveys suggest that we don’t always take good care of our teeth. In this guide, we’ll highlight some simple dental health hacks you can use to keep your smile in check.
Twice-daily brushing
Dental experts recommend brushing the teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Research conducted by the American Dental Association suggests that around 30% of US adults don’t clean their teeth twice a day. Poor dental hygiene increases the risk of plaque formation, the leading risk factor for decay and gum disease. Set a timer or brush along to a song to ensure you achieve a thorough clean. Brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed and take care to cover each individual tooth. It’s also beneficial to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to lower the risk of bad breath and decay.
Regular dental appointments
Going to the dentist regularly reduces the risk of gum disease and cavities and it can also flag early warning signs of other health conditions, including oral cancer. Dental anxiety is very common and it can put people off going to the dentist for months or even years. If you feel very nervous about making an appointment, or you’re worried about having treatment, there are solutions, such as IV dental sedation, distraction techniques and technology designed to minimize pain for patients who need injections. Speak to your dentist or look for a dentist that has experience in treating nervous patients if you don’t already have a dentist.
Eat healthily and cut out snacking
Most of us are aware that some foods are harmful to our teeth, but did you know that when you eat is as important as what you eat? When we eat, the bacteria in our mouths feed, causing the release of acids. These acids attack the enamel, temporarily weakening it. It takes time for the enamel to recover. If you’re grazing all through the day, this means that your enamel is under attack constantly. Cut out snacking and try to follow a healthy, balanced diet. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Wait 45-60 minutes to brush your teeth after eating. This will help to reduce the risk of damage while the enamel is soft.
Be mouth aware
Being mouth aware is all about keeping an eye on your teeth, gums and soft tissue and taking action if you notice any changes in your dental health. Seek advice from your dentist if you have pain, your teeth are sensitive, your gums are sore, or your gums bleed when you brush. It’s also crucial to schedule an appointment if you feel any lumps or swelling in your mouth or throat, or you have ulcers or sores that take a long time to heal. In most cases, these symptoms won’t be anything to worry about, but they can be signs of mouth cancer.
Most of us want to have a beautiful, healthy smile, but we don’t always devote enough time and attention to our teeth and gums. Use these simple dental health hacks to reduce the risk of oral diseases and keep your smile in check.
Leave a Reply