Perhaps you haven’t been brushing and flossing as often as you know you should be. Or maybe you’ve been staying away from the dentist out of a fear of discomfort. No matter what your reason for neglecting oral hygiene might be, the long-term consequences are the same: cavities, infected gums, and eventual tooth loss. But it’s not too late to improve the health of your smile! Your prosthodontist in Lincoln can offer various services to improve the health of your smile (such as by placing crowns or fillings to protect and restore teeth that have already been damaged), but in the meantime you can work on improving your oral hygiene by following these 4 tips.
1. Maintain a Strict Brushing Routine
You should be brushing your teeth at least two times every day. It’s easy to let changes in your daily schedule throw off your oral hygiene routine, but at the very least you shouldn’t forget to brush once in the morning and once at night to remove plaque buildup. Be careful not to brush too hard, as you may end up harming the gums. Also, take the time to brush your tongue as well; after all, harmful bacteria can gather anywhere in your mouth.
2. Start Flossing Daily
Most people already know of the importance of flossing, but not everyone flosses as often as they should. If you only use your toothbrush to clean your teeth, you won’t be able to effectively clean many hard-to-reach spots. Some people have trouble using traditional string floss; you might think about getting an interdental brush or a water pick that can clean the same crevices while being easier to use.
3. Cut Down on Your Intake of Sugar and Starch
There’s a good reason why you’ve been told to be careful around sugary and starchy foods all your life. Bacteria consume these ingredients and turn them into harmful acids that erode the tooth enamel. Simply put, it’s easier to keep your teeth safe if you expose them to fewer sugars and starches to begin with.
4. Drink Water
The health benefits of drinking a lot of water are obvious, but there are other advantages you might not have thought about. Water helps reduce the overall acidity of your mouth and washes away sugar and other harmful substances before they have a chance to do too much damage. Generally speaking, you should plan to have a tall glass of water after every meal or snack.
If you follow the above tips and remember to have at least two dental checkups and cleanings every year, you’ll significantly improve your chances of preventing cavities and other severe oral health issues. Don’t worry if you haven’t been giving your smile the attention it deserves; you still have time to take control of your dental care!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer A. Reed has been practicing dentistry since 1993 and has been serving Lincoln patients at Smile Specialties since 2002. She received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from UNMC College of Dentistry, and she has undergone complex reconstructive and prosthetic training. If you have concerns about your oral hygiene or the overall state of your oral health, schedule an appointment with her by visiting her website or by calling (402) 488-5007.
