Your dental team is your primary partner in optimal health care. Visiting them at least two times per year for regular examinations and cleanings will help you have a lifetime of bright, beautiful smiles to share with the world!
However, oral care is not a “set it and forget” situation where visiting the dentist is enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums. You need to manage your oral care between visits to prevent cavities, gum disease), and other severe issues. Additionally, poor oral hygiene has been associated with many conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to maintain a healthy smile until it is time for your next checkup.
Home dental care tips and the best habits for strong teeth
Daily brushing and flossing routine
Most people are aware of the importance of brushing their teeth every day. However, it is crucial to do it the right way to ensure you are getting the most out of your oral healthcare routine.
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time, which equals 30 seconds per quadrant (upper and lower left and upper and lower right teeth). You can use a timer to ensure that each quadrant gets the same and proper amount of attention. Many electric toothbrushes feature an alarm that beeps when it is time to move to the next quadrant.
A soft-bristled toothbrush will help protect your enamel and gumline against abrasiveness and prevent premature wear. Be sure the toothbrush scrubs all surfaces in your mouth, including the front and back of your teeth and gums, the sides and bottom of your mouth, and the top of your tongue.
Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel and lower your risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Flossing at least twice daily and after meals is another critical part of maintaining good oral health between dental visits. Flossing enables you to clean the parts of your mouth your toothbrush cannot reach, such as between teeth and below the gum line, removing plaque and food debris before they can lead to serious health issues.
Diet and oral health
Remember that old saying, “You are what you eat?” It is true – the foods and beverages you consume can impact many aspects of your overall well-being, including your oral health.
Foods to integrate into your meal plan should contain selections rich in calcium, phosphorus, and fibre, including:
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus, which help keep your teeth strong and prevent cavities and tooth decay
- Apples, carrots, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production to help neutralize acids, wash away harmful bacteria, and loosen trapped food particles
- Nuts and seeds are rich in the minerals and vitamins that promote healthy teeth and help stimulate saliva production
- Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens offer vitamins and minerals that support healthy gums and teeth
- Green tea contains antioxidants that can help fight bacteria while reducing inflammation in the gums
Also, be sure to eliminate food and beverages that can stick to your teeth, erode tooth enamel, or lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This list includes sugary drinks such as soda pop, acidic fruits and fruit juices, breads and other starches, and sugary or sticky snacks.
Hydration and saliva production
Staying hydrated is another way to protect your oral health between dental visits. The best beverage for this purpose is water.
Drinking water helps loosen particles stuck between teeth and washes away acids and bacteria before they can attack tooth enamel.
Water also helps support saliva production, which keeps your mouth clean and prevents dry mouth, a condition that leads to bad breath and creates a fertile breeding ground for bacteria.
Protect your teeth from stress and injury
Now that spring has returned to Toronto, there are a number of outdoor sports activities to participate in. Be sure to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent injuries to your teeth and gums.
Also, be aware of bad habits that might affect your teeth, such as chewing on the end of a pen or nail biting. If carried out over time, these activities can fracture your teeth, cause misalignments, or lead to cavities.
Do not smoke
Tobacco products are awful for your overall health. They can contribute to gum disease, dry mouth, tooth decay, enamel erosion, and an increased risk of oral cancer. Smoking also stains your teeth and can cause gum inflammation, which can lead to periodontitis.
Vaping is not a healthy alternative to cigarettes, as it can also harm your teeth and gums.
If you smoke, speak to your doctor or dentist for proven methods that will help you stop.
Call your dentist immediately if you have any oral health concerns
If you experience tooth pain, bleeding gums, or have any other oral health concerns, do not wait until your next regularly scheduled appointment to have your dentist investigate the problem. Call them right away to make an appointment.
Waiting too long to address an oral health issue can worsen the condition, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, or other serious conditions. Also, there is no sense in prolonging your pain or worry, which will get worse over time.
When we say we are your partner in dental health care, we mean it! Make an appointment as soon as you notice something is wrong with your teeth, gums, or other aspects of your oral health.
Practice good oral care for excellent oral health
Following the above tips may require a few simple lifestyle changes, but the results of sticking to them should be evident every time you smile in the mirror.
If you have any questions about keeping your teeth white and gums healthy between dental visits, call our office. We would love to discuss how we can work together to protect your oral health throughout the year!
Make an appointment with the dental experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
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