5 Dental Habits to ‘Brush Up’ On Right Now

Dental care is essential to living a healthy, comfortable life. Most people know the pain associated with even a single cavity; after all, about one in every five Americans is estimated to have at least one untreated cavity. Should you contract gingivitis or periodontal disease, this pain can affect almost every aspect of your life. The need for oral health care is vital but many people don’t know the best habits to achieve a healthy smile.

Even if you don’t have the best oral health on the planet, this shouldn’t deter you from engaging in healthy habits to better your life. Here are some of the best dental care habits to brush up on when you want to achieve a better smile for the long-term.

Brush after every meal

Even though all people should brush their teeth twice per day, many don’t know that it’s okay to brush them even more! In fact, most dentists advise giving your teeth a good cleaning following any meal. Just wait 30 minutes or so after eating. That way, your enamel will strengthen again following your meal and you can get out all the germs and food that became stuck between your teeth.

Keep in mind that you should still brush for at least two minutes at a time. It might be tempting to rush through the brushing process, but those two minutes are vital in removing the built-up gunk from the surfaces of your teeth. Brush gently and be sure to rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash when you’re done.

Remember to brush your tongue

Did you know that plaque can also build up on your tongue? Plaque is one of the top reasons behind bad breath so brushing your tongue is vital for health and aesthetic purposes.

Just like you have to brush your teeth gently, you should also brush your tongue with the same steady hand. For those who have a sensitive gag reflex, sticking your tongue out at the end of your brushing routine can help you reach further back. It might not look pretty, but it goes a long way in helping improve your oral health.

Only brush with soft bristles

When your adult teeth grow in, it feels natural to choose the medium- or hard-bristled options. After all, you don’t have to worry about damaging your sensitive milk teeth anymore. As an adult, you can handle the tough stuff, like stronger bristles, right?

Wrong. Unfortunately, using hard bristles is terrible for your teeth at any age. This is because stronger bristles are prone to damaging the outer layer of enamel on your teeth. All you need to do is brush with soft-bristled options for longer periods of time for the healthiest mouth.

Replace your toothbrush more often

You should replace your toothbrush every two months or so for the best results. This might seem like an extraneous cost, but no toothbrush is meant to last forever. Imagine trying to clean your car with a dirty rag. At the end of the day, a new cloth will work much better.

You should also replace your toothbrush when you’re sick. These germs can stick around and worsen your oral health over time. Talk to your dental care professional about how often you should change your toothbrush.

Avoid drinking acidic or sugary drinks over extended periods

We’ve all experienced those slow days that need an entire pot of coffee to sustain you. Unfortunately, drinking acidic or sugary beverages for long periods of time can be catastrophic to your oral health.

Drinking these beverages for extended periods of time will give your mouth no relief from the onslaught of acid and sugar. While everyone deserves to indulge in a cup of coffee or soda, try to drink it sooner than later. Then, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acids if you’re unable to brush your teeth right away.

These tips are just some of the best ways you can improve your oral health in the short-term. Once these habits become ingrained in your routine, you won’t imagine ever forgetting to brush your teeth before bed again. For more dental care tips and top advice, rely on Gainesville Dental Associates to transform your smile.