Everyone wants to be able to show off a beautiful smile of pearly whites and clean gums. However, not everyone practices the daily habits that support a healthy mouth. Things like chewing ice, smoking, not brushing long enough and forgetting to floss could be dulling that smile of yours, and may diminish your overall oral health. It’s time to nix those bad habits and pick up some healthy ones. Here five simple changes you can make to get healthier teeth and gums.
Brush For Two Minutes
The latest research suggests the best way to brush is to do so for two minutes, holding a soft brush at a 45-degree angle. Replace your toothbrush at least every two months to reduce buildup of bacteria. In addition to brushing twice a day, it’s also important to floss after meals.
An Apple a Day
They say it’ll keep the doctor away, and it’ll do the same for bacteria. Having an apple a day, or fruit in general, does a lot of good for your oral health. Chewing an apple stimulates the gums and increases the flow of saliva, which is your mouth’s natural cleanser. A dry mouth is more susceptible to bacteria growth.
Drink Green Tea
Research shows green tea to be a great contributor to oral health. The ingredients in green tea make the inside of your mouth less susceptible to bacteria and help prevent cavities and gum disease. Drinking green tea on the regular also gives you fresher breath!
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Sugar clings to your teeth, causing cavities to develop. Just as you do to promote a healthy diet, limiting your sugar intake also helps promote healthy teeth. Try making simple changes, like not adding sugar to coffee or tea (yes, even your green tea) and avoiding candies, soda and processed foods.
No Smoking
Smoking is bad for you in all sorts of ways, and your oral health is no exception. In addition to making your teeth yellow, smoking can also blacken your gums. Yuck! Even worse, as smoking makes your gums less healthy, your risk of developing gum disease increases greatly.
Schedule Regular Visits to Your Dentist
In addition to each of these healthy habits, be sure to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. And if you’ve let any of your bad oral habits persist for too long, the dentists at Daxon Dentistry are here to restore your smile. Contact us today to get your smile back!