Most of the time, people believe that brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day will eliminate the risk of obtaining oral diseases or cavities. However, regularly brushing your teeth is not always enough for you to keep your oral hygiene in good condition. Our NE Calgary dentists at McCall Dental suggest that you go to your dentist once or twice a year, depending on your oral needs. Want to learn more about how to keep your gums and teeth healthy? We’re going to go over
our 5 tips on how you can maintain great oral hygiene.
Select A Toothpaste That Works For You
There are various brands of toothpaste to choose from, which can be overwhelming. Choose a toothpaste that is suitable for you and nurtures your teeth and gums. Dental experts suggest that you pick a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it helps fight the bacteria in your mouth and helps prevent tooth decay. If your preferred toothpaste has possible ingredients that you are allergic to or are harmful to you, consult your Calgary dentist immediately.
Brush Your Teeth Properly
A lot of the time, people miss crucial steps in brushing their teeth. The first and most common mistake is using an up-and-down pattern while brushing, as you miss a lot of hidden dirt and food particles trapped between your teeth and gums. The proper way to brush your teeth is to use gentle, circular motions and not over-brush. It’s best to play a 2-3 minute song while brushing your teeth, so the fluoride has time to work and effectively clean your teeth.
Replace Your Toothbrush Often
Although this might be a pricier suggestion, it’s worth it to avoid visiting your dentist every time you have an oral problem. Most dentists encourage you to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months because the bristles become less effective and promote bacterial growth after a long time, such as gingivitis and other oral diseases. Electric toothbrushes are the way to go, as they have a consistent speed while cleaning your teeth and gums, giving you better overall cleanliness.
Don’t Forget Floss and Mouthwash
A common mistake people make when brushing their teeth is that they forget to floss and use mouthwash. These are essential steps to maintaining good oral hygiene, as it prevents things like halitosis from occurring. Many believe it’s an additional financial burden or takes too much time out of their busy schedule to do. However, there are many benefits if you take the time to brush, floss, and use mouthwash. As we age, many factors could affect our teeth, which is why we should practice these small steps as often as possible to prevent further dental issues.
Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet
Having a healthy lifestyle also affects your oral hygiene. Although it may seem like there’s no correlation, your overall health does have an impact on the well-being of your teeth and gums. Eggs, fish, and lean meat are rich in Phosphorus, which can help strengthen your teeth. Dairy products such as milk, cream, and butter are also rich in Calcium. On the other hand, carbonated drinks and sugary food like chocolate and candy are harmful to your teeth and gums and should be limited.
When you don’t practice good oral hygiene, you’re leaving yourself at risk for underlying diseases and issues. However, don’t feel discouraged! Our team at McCall Dental offers a wide range of treatments for people who need a quick or emergent solution to their dental problems. Our goal is to provide you with the education to maintain good oral hygiene and protect your teeth and gums from further harm.
Call Us For Help
Are you experiencing a dental emergency? McCall Dental has got your back. Our group of professionals has the skills and expertise to ensure that you get the dental care you deserve. Feel free to contact us at (587) 747-0888 to book an appointment. We would be happy to accommodate you!