We recommend that you change your toothbrush every three months for the best brushing possible, but there are a few other things you should know about optimal oral health.
Many things that people do on a daily bases can affect their overall oral health. These include:
- Not brushing your teeth or flossing enough
- Eating sweets
- Using your teeth to open bags of chips
Bad oral habits are at the root of most teeth problems but these tips can help you avoid problems.
Flossing helps remove food particles that your toothbrush can not reach and flossing helps to keep your gums healthy as well. Be sure to floss at least once a day if not twice.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and when you can’t brush after a meal or snack, try chewing on a sugarless gum for about 20 minutes after that meal or snack. This will go a long way in preventing tooth decay.
Do not forget to clean your tongue. You can do this with a toothbrush or tongue scraper. This will be very beneficial in removing bacteria on the tongue and can eliminate bad breath.
Be sure to change your toothbrush on a regular base. We recommend a new brush at the start of every season. Once the bristles of the toothbrush get bent or broken, their effectiveness is diminished.
A balanced diet will go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy. Snack on fruits and vegetables instead of sweets. There are some very bad consequences that arise from eating sweets and not brushing after. Sweets will increase the acid in your mouth and create tooth decay. Sodas are really bad on the tooth’s enamel, so limit them as much as possible. Try to choose water instead.
In Dr. Weinberg’s dental office, we are trained to do damage control on your mouth before it is too late. So make it a healthy practice to keep your regular visits so we can stay on top of things for you. We recommend that you visit us twice a year for check-ups and routine cleanings.
By simply doing a little self-check on your oral habits and changing them to a more healthy approach, you will be on your way to maintaining good oral health. Remember also that your oral health greatly affects your overall health, so start today.
DR Susan Weinberg is listed at DentistDig.com