OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Maintaining good oral health is not only important to your appearance, but also your overall health as well. Good oral health that focuses on teeth and gums should be a priority at any age, as they make it possible for you to eat and speak properly.
“People have a fear of the dentist, sometimes because of their previous bad experiences,” said Dr. Pamela Li, an Ottawa family dentistry provider. “By practicing good oral hygiene, your mouth will be healthier, your smile will be whiter, and your visits to the dentist will be simple and pain-free.”
Dr. Li suggests you follow these simple steps to achieve good oral hygiene:
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Routine checkups and professional dental cleanings are the best way to prevent or treat dental problems at their earliest. The dentist will usually do an evaluation of your mouth, compare the X-rays to your previous visit, and check for signs of oral cancer and cavities.
“It is important to maintain a steady routine of visiting the dentist, as oral ailments that go unnoticed may lead to serious health problems,” said TMJ dentist Dr. Li. “We have the skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat oral issues as they arise.”
Maintain Good Habits
You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily, preferably in the evening. The way in which you brush your teeth is important as well. While circular motions are good for short bursts, you need to move the toothbrush from your gums to the top of your teeth. Don’t neglect the inside of your teeth or your back molars. Brush with gentle, but firm pressure and don’t forget about your tongue. It is important to remove bacteria, as it will help freshen breath and help decrease the overall bacterial levels in your mouth.
Diet
Food and drink that contain a lot of sugar and certain starches can cause your mouth to be more acidic, which leaves it susceptible to tooth decay. Maintain a balanced intake of whole grains, vegetables and fruits to keep a steady amount of acid in your mouth. Choose harder fruits such as apples to help reduce tartar buildup. Drink plenty of water and if you must drink a soda, be sure to rinse with water to prevent bad breath and remove food debris.
Clean and Replace Your ToothbrushYour toothbrush should be replaced every three months, the cosmetic dentistry professional who offers dental implants said. The bristles on your toothbrush will begin to wear out and accumulate bacteria, which have proven to not rinse away with water alone. If you would like to disinfect your toothbrush, Dr. Li recommends soaking your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide for seven minutes. Simply rinse the brush after the soak and you are ready to resume proper oral habits. Soft bristle brushes are recommended, but good quality electric toothbrushes such as Oral-B and Sonicare are the best option. They are effective in removing plaque and biofilm.
“While your mouth does contain a certain amount of bacteria, it is important to follow these steps to prevent the bad bacteria from spreading,” said the Invisalign provider. “If you ever have any bleeding while brushing or flossing or if you experience any pain in your mouth, visit your dentist as soon as possible.”
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