Top 10 Dental Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Smile

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires daily dental care for a lifetime. Most people know the basics, such as brushing, flossing, and regular checkups from their Clermont dentist. However, there are other things you can do to maintain a beautiful smile. Let’s take a look at ten ways to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy.

1. Reevaluate Your Tools

Browse the oral healthcare aisle at your local pharmacy and you’ll discover hundreds of products. Is waxed or unwaxed floss better? What type of mouthwash works best? These decisions can be tough. Ideally, your oral health tool kit should include a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, waxed floss, and alcohol-free mouthwash.

2. Don’t Forget Your Tongue

While brushing your teeth comes naturally, many people forget to clean their tongue. Stick out your tongue and you may notice a white or yellowish tint. This debris can contain foul-smelling bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Be sure to brush or scrape your tongue daily to maintain fresh breath.

3. Eat Crunchy Fruits & Veggies

You already know that good nutrition is key to a healthy smile. However, did you know that eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can also stimulate saliva flow, which acts as a natural defense against gum disease and cavities? Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as celery and carrots, also contain essential nutrients essential for building strong teeth.

4. Limit Your Sugar Intake

Too much sugar can drastically increase your risk of developing tooth decay. It’s important to remember that sugar is found in a wide variety of food outside of cakes and cookies. There are many common products that contain added sugar, such as low-fat yogurt, barbecue sauce, ketchup, fruit juice, sports drinks, canned fruit, cereal bars, and breakfast cereals.

5. Avoid Chewing on Hard Items

Some people have a habit of chewing on non-food items, and they might not even realize they’re doing it. From fingernails to pen caps, chewing on hard items could potentially damage your teeth. You’ll also want to avoid chewing on certain food items, such as hard candies and ice cubes.

6. Try an Oral Irrigator

Flossing is an effective way to remove food particles and debris from in-between your teeth. However, individuals with crowded teeth may have trouble getting into these hard-to-reach areas. An oral irrigator can help clean between teeth when regular flossing isn’t enough. Oral irrigators are also useful for people with braces or fixed partial dentures.

7. Brighten Your Teeth with Teeth Whitening

No matter how much you brush, some stains simply refuse to budge. Professional teeth whitening is an excellent way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile that will boost your confidence. Best of all, you can whiten your teeth at home using professional take-home whitening trays that are custom-made by your dentist in Clermont for your mouth.

8. Take Care of Your Toothbrush

You rely on your toothbrush to keep your teeth clean and healthy. To aid you in the venture, you need your toothbrush to remain in optimal condition. After brushing, thoroughly rinse your toothbrush to remove any leftover food particles or toothpaste. Place your toothbrush in a standing, upright position, exposed to air to dry naturally. The CDC also recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months.

9. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is not only important for good overall health but also good oral health. Staying hydrated helps your mouth produce enough saliva to keep your teeth clean. Saliva also helps naturally rinse away food particles and oral bacteria that may be lingering in your mouth.

10. Give Up Smoking

Bad oral habits like smoking can have a detrimental effect on your smile. Smoking can damage healthy gums, causing them to recede and develop pockets where bacteria accumulate. It can also stain your teeth and contribute to bad breath. People who smoke are also at an increased risk of developing mouth cancer.

Book A Dental Appointment at Hancock Village Dental

The experienced Clermont dental team at Hancock Village Dental has helped countless patients maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. To learn about our preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services, or to schedule an appointment, contact Hancock Village Dental at 352-989-5815.