Your Manhattan Beach dentist recommends brushing and flossing every day as staples to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, you can do other things that will benefit your overall well-being. Please read below for our ten oral health tips.
#1 BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Brushing for two minutes twice a day, known as the 2×2 rule, helps keep plaque at bay. Be sure to brush with proper techniques by using small circular motions at a 45-degree angle towards the gums to avoid damaging the soft tissue.
#2 FLOSS DAILY
Floss nightly before brushing to remove anything your toothbrush is unable to dislodge. Skipping this step will leave small food particles that can eventually decay. Adding flossing to your routine for minutes a day will help prevent decay. Flossing may cause gums to be extra sensitive, which is natural and will stop once you’ve been flossing for a couple of days.
#3 REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH REGULARLY
In general, you should change your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months. Frayed toothbrushes don’t clean the tooth’s surface correctly and damage your gums. Always rinse your toothbrush and store it upright to dry, and replace it if you’ve been sick to prevent bacteria from being reintroduced into your mouth.
#4 VISIT YOUR DENTIST EVERY SIX MONTHS
Regular six-month visits will allow your dentist in Manhattan Beach to catch issues before they take hold. At these visits, your teeth get a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup for the healthiest teeth and gums.
#5 MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
Avoiding sweets and processed foods laden in sugars plays a massive role in long-term dental health. Including foods high in calcium that can help support strong and healthy teeth. Add foods that strengthen your teeth, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese. Speak to your dentist in Manhattan Beach for the best diet recommendations.
#6 USE DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS
Brushing and flossing are fundamental to preventive dental health. Still, you can help keep your teeth in top condition by incorporating supplemental aids into your routine as well. Consider including mouthwash, oral irrigators, interdental cleaners, and tongue cleaners. These hygiene products can help support good oral health and should be used with regular brushing and flossing.
#7 KEEP HYDRATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy saliva flow by moving food particles through your mouth, preventing them from lodging in your teeth where bacteria can grow.
#8 DON’T SMOKE
Smoking causes tooth staining and severe health issues like gum disease, leading to tooth loss and even oral cancer. The best thing you could do for your overall health is to quit smoking immediately.
#9 CONSIDER DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants fill the depressions and grooves of your molars and premolars to protect your teeth from cavities. Everyone benefits from sealants, but children and teens are good candidates as they often don’t brush as thoroughly as adults.
#10 EXAMINE REGULARLY
While regular checkups with your dentist in Manhattan Beach are an excellent preventive measure, issues can develop in the months between visits. To prevent significant concerns, you should do a quick scan of the inside of your mouth as part of your daily routine. If anything has changed or seems unusual, share this information with your dentist at your next appointment.
Contact your Manhattan Beach dentist today!
Green & Wood Family Dental, in Manhattan Beach, CA., has years of experience and is here to guide you with the best dental practices to maintain your oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. Schedule an appointment today.
