In contrast to popular opinion, good oral health is so much more than just brushing. It is critical to follow certain steps and maintain a proper routine in order to keep your mouth and teeth healthy for a lifetime.
Your oral hygiene is one of the most important factors affecting your overall health. There have been links between gum disease and health conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, preterm birth, and Alzheimer’s. So in simple words, by keeping your oral health in order, you’ll be preventing many other diseases as well. You can either come up with a dental care regimen on your own or look for a dental clinic in Toronto where a professional can help you with your oral hygiene.
5 Steps To Maintain Oral Health
Keep your teeth intact and in good shape for a longer period of time, and boost your oral health by following these simple steps:
Soft-bristled Brush
Some might believe that the harder the bristle on their toothbrush, the cleaner their teeth would be. This is a huge misconception and can actually do more harm than good. It may feel cleaner to brush with medium- or firm-bristled toothbrushes, but they can damage your teeth over time due to their abrasive nature. It is bad for your teeth and gums, so instead, use a gentle amount of pressure, tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line, and brush in a circular motion for a few seconds for the best result.
Watch Your Sugar Intake
Limiting your sugar intake can not only help keep your oral health in order, but can offer many other health benefits. Sugary drinks should be limited in your diet. However, if you are planning to have a beverage like soda, or coffee with sugar and cream, it’s better to have it all at once rather than sipping it slowly. Constant exposure to sugar can cause certain bacteria to metabolize that sugar into lactic acid, causing cavities.
Use fluoride
Apart from being beneficial in strengthening teeth in children, fluoride also prevents tooth decay. Many leading brands of toothpaste, mouthwash, gums, and even tap water contain a certain amount of fluoride. If you need to figure out what the level is in your area, contact your local water utility. You can always ask your trusted dentist office in Toronto and the surrounding area to prescribe fluoride supplements if necessary.
Quit Tobacco
Any dentist in the Toronto downtown core, the GTA, or anywhere in the world would suggest you quit smoking if you want healthier oral hygiene. There is a high risk of oral cancer as well as cancers of the larynx, pharynx, and esophagus associated with smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco products. By quitting tobacco, you’ll be preventing gum disease, bad breath, tooth discoloration, and other oral and general health problems.
See A Dentist
Make it a habit to visit your dentist every once in a while for regular checkups. If you don’t understand a treatment or procedure, don’t hesitate to ask for more details. You can always search Google for a dentist near you in Toronto and book an appointment at your convenience. Remember, a healthy lifestyle starts with top-glass oral health.