Habits to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
How well you take care of your teeth and gums really can make you healthier.
Establishing good oral health habits early on can help prevent dental problems later in life, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Here are some tips to keep your mouth healthy:
Brushing Teeth and Gums
How often you brush is important. Brush at least twice a day.
We recommend that you brush at a 45-degree angle. This assures you are getting in the nooks and crannies.
Dr. Winick recommends brushing for at least two minutes. If you have a tough time keeping track, use a timer.
Make sure that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and replace it every two or three months or as soon as the bristles begin to fray.
Oral Irrigation
While brushing twice a day will remove dental plaque and bacteria, there is more needed to keep your whole mouth healthy.
Oral irrigation is especially beneficial for:
- The health of your gums
- Cleaning around crowns and under bridge work
- Maintaining implants
- Orthodontics
We recommend that you follow brushing with irrigation in the morning and evening using the HydroFloss® system.
HydroFloss® is an innovative oral irrigation system that has helped many patients improve their oral health. To learn more or order, click here. When ordering, use our special CODE for savings: 14031
Watch What You Eat (and When!)
Oral health and diet go hand in hand. A healthy diet rich in tooth-friendly fruits and vegetables will help keep your mouth healthy. Fibrous foods can help ‘scrub’ your teeth clean and keep your gums healthy.
Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks that can erode enamel over time. Although dried apricots and prunes may seem like a better snack than a chocolate bar, both have just about the same amount of sugar.
Avoid snacking between meals. Not eating between meals helps maintain a healthy pH balance in the mouth and reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
When we eat or drink anything, the bacteria present in our mouths feed on it and produce acid that can wear away the enamel of our teeth. Frequent snacking throughout the day means more exposure to acid attacks leading to tooth decay.
Skipping snacks between meals gives saliva enough time to naturally neutralize the acid produced by bacteria thus minimizing damage.
Get Regular Dental Checkups
When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, oral hygiene is at the top of the list. Regular dental checkups also play a major role in maintaining your oral health.
We are happy to share additional information about oral irrigation, tips for good oral hygiene, and more. Contact us today to tell us how we can be of service to you.
