Almost half of all American adults above the age of 30 show signs of gum disease. Additionally, one in four adults also has untreated symptoms of tooth decay.
These are not good statistics to have, and we can definitely do more to promote better oral health. Even a few regular habits can make an enormous difference, in the long run.
Ready to make the change? Take your cues from below.
1. Brush Right
Yes, you probably already brush your teeth, but are you doing it right? Be sure not to scrub too hard. Scrubbing too hard, too often may wear out your tooth enamel and cause permanent damage to your gums.
For best results, you should brush at least twice a day and if you can, after a particularly sugary meal or a night of heavy drinking. As tempting as it might be to opt-out on some nights, try your best to make this a regular practice with very rare if any, exceptions.
2. Flossing
While brushing is essential to oral health, it’s not enough to clean the hard to reach places between your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Try and floss once a day, or if that’s too overwhelming, start with once every other day.
Flossing is a simple, but effective way to reduce the build-up of plaque. This goes a long way in reducing your chances of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
3. A Diet for Better Oral Health
Your diet is another important determinant of oral health. For stronger teeth, opt for calcium-rich foods like chia seeds, dairy or dairy alternatives like fortified soy milk, kale, and other dark, leafy vegetables.
Vitamin C is another essential nutrient, particularly for gum health. Some great sources are tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, oranges, potatoes, and other citrus fruits.
Don’t get yourself down over the occasional slice of cake, or for munching on those chocolates you love. Your oral health is determined by the small, but simple choices you make every day, not occasional treats. When you can, choose a carrot over the KitKat, but don’t give up on the KitKat altogether.
4. Take a Trip to the Dentist
Whatever you do, don’t miss out on your dentist’s appointments. A regular check-up ensures that you catch the early signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
If you don’t have a dentist you’re comfortable with, do some research to find one that you trust. Most dental clinics have special websites like parkwestdental.com and Boisedentist.com where you can browse through their services and set up appointments.
Another way for finding a dentist is by searching for a term like “dentist near me naperville” on the internet. Doing so should provide a list of options that you can reach out to. Be sure to read their reviews as well.
5. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Don’t neglect your tongue in the pursuit of good oral hygiene. Plaque builds up on your tongue too, and you need to clean it regularly.
Gently brush your tongue at least once a day, or invest in a tongue cleaner and make this a daily ritual.
Read More: Foods that Boost Oral Health
Consistency Is Key
You don’t have to make every single change at once if that’s too overwhelming. Start by incorporating a single of these habits into your day, and build up from there.
Remember, oral health comes from building good habits that you follow consistently.
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