Your smile serves as a window into your overall well-being. While basic hygiene habits can go a long way toward guaranteeing your oral health, there are important considerations to keep in mind while going about these regular routines.
Timing is Everything
Sometimes, we take the right actions at the wrong times. After drinking a large soda, consider rinsing your mouth out with water rather than brushing your teeth right away. The leftover acid from the soda is already wearing away at the enamel, so immediately introducing fluoride can be more harmful than helpful. Spacing out the intake of any acidic foods is always a good idea. This sentiment should also be applied to mouthwash, which can also flush out the fluoride and defeat the purpose.
The Right Tools for the Job
Always go with a soft-bristled brush, one that will not irritate your gums. If you’re looking for more advanced options, electric toothbrushes have been known to be more thorough and effective than traditional brushes. Floss is usually cheap and accessible, but if you’re experiencing truly hard to reach spots in your mouth, a WaterPik® may be the best solution.
A Healthy Diet Equals Good Oral Health
The bacteria in your mouth is already comfortable in the warm temperature, but it truly thrives when you consume sugary foods. If unaddressed, this results in decay. You can combat this by introducing healthier foods into your diet, like raw vegetables, yogurt, and cheese. These healthier options also promote the production of saliva in your mouth, which help fight decay, plaque, and bacteria.
See Your Dentist
In order to guarantee your oral health, it’s important to visit your dentist’s office every six months. Your trusted dental professional performs thorough examinations and rids your mouth of hard-to-reach plaque, thus preventing the spread of bacteria. You should also consider an oral cancer exam because some symptoms are not able to be seen or felt.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Your smile and oral health, in general, are very important to us. If you’re in need of a general cleaning or need a more thorough exam, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our Pikesville dentist, Dr. Howard Rothschild today!
Contact Us