Healthy Habits for a Healthy Smile
With a new year comes healthy goals, and we could all use a refresher on how to properly care for our teeth. Developing healthy habits early on and maintaining them consistently is key to a lifetime of successful dental care. Plus, your oral health affects much more than just your smile; it plays a role in your overall health and well-being as well. Neglecting to take proper care of your teeth can contribute to issues with your heart, brain, lungs, and more.
The doctors at Asprakis & Danti Dentistry have compiled some reminders on how to improve your dental hygiene every day. You’ll find that many habits that are good for your teeth also benefit your health as a whole. Read on to learn more!
Looking for a trusted family dentist in Windsor, ON? Asprakis & Danti Dentistry is dedicated to your dental health. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
Our Recommendations for Strong Oral Health
Floss Before You Brush
You’ve likely been told to floss every day, but what you might not know is that this step should come before brushing your teeth. If you don’t floss, you miss about a third of your teeth’s surface that your toothbrush cannot reach. By brushing after you floss, you can help clear away the plaque and food particles that are leftover. If you wait to floss afterward, that buildup will sit until the next time you brush your teeth. If you have trouble doing it consistently, the Canadian Dental Association recommends flossing while doing another enjoyable activity like listening to music.
Brush Twice a Day, and Do it Mindfully
Sure, you’re brushing every day, but are you doing it right? You should brush your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes at a time. Guide the brush in small circles along each tooth, and be sure to hit the sides and backs of the teeth. You should also be more mindful about your brushing habits each day. When we get lazy and make quick work of brushing, our teeth suffer.
Stay Hydrated
At the end of the day, water is the absolute best beverage to consume for your dental (and overall) health. It helps wash away food residue left in the mouth and keeps it moisturized.
Sugary drinks like fruit juice and pop cause tooth decay which may lead to greater dental issues down the line. While coffee and tea have some health benefits, they should be enjoyed in moderation. These beverages are some of the worst contenders for teeth staining. You don’t have to give up tasty drinks entirely, but try to minimize your consumption of them and prioritize the H2O.
Eat Enough Nourishing Foods
Making sure you get enough nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, calcium, protein, fiber, and more, is crucial to your teeth’s longevity. In addition, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help to remove excess plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. They also promote saliva production, which is how your mouth naturally cleanses itself. Take a look at our blog post to learn more about which foods are the best for your oral health!
Brush & Scrape Your Tongue
Oral health goes beyond just your teeth–many people forget about how the tongue plays a role. Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria and often the main source of bad breath. Germs and food residue cling there, and neglecting it is neglecting a large portion of your mouth.
When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well. Many toothbrushes have pads on the back intended for tongue scraping. Or, you can even buy a designated tongue scraper! They are generally inexpensive and take up hardly any extra space in your washroom. Have you incorporated a tongue scraper into your routine? If you haven’t, it’s never too late to start.
Don’t Smoke or Vape
Smoking and vaping lead to a wide variety of oral health issues like tooth discoloration and decay, dry mouth, inflammation, and more. Most alarmingly, smoking and vaping products dramatically increase your risk of developing oral cancer. To keep your teeth and body healthy, make a plan to quit. Talk to your doctor about support options and resources.
Asprakis & Danti Dentistry is Here to Help
At Asprakis & Danti Dentistry, we’re committed to giving you a healthy smile. From the minute you step into our Windsor, ON, office until your next appointment, we want to give you the tools you need to care for your teeth. By following these healthy habits, you can achieve that healthy smile to last a lifetime! Ready for your next appointment? Contact our office today!