Improving one’s health is a classic New Year’s resolution and overall goal for millions of people. While many people focus on getting in physical shape, oral health cannot be left behind! After all, you want your whole body to be healthy. Luckily, improving oral health doesn’t take much work—all it asks is for consistent practices. Make sure you visit New Hope Dental Care, the best dentist in Raleigh, NC, to check up on your oral health!
For those who want some quick tips on improving their oral health, check out the following 5 tips to improve your oral health!
Brush Twice Every Day
Everyone knows they need to brush their teeth regularly. However, it’s not just about the act of brushing that’s necessary. It’s how well and how long you brush your teeth that truly matters.
You should brush your teeth for two minutes each time. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, it’s easy to keep track of time—your toothbrush will let you know when 2 minutes are up! If you’re using a standard toothbrush, you can track time with a clock or even a wristwatch.
As a parent who’s teaching a child to brush their teeth, ensuring they brush for two minutes might prove challenging. The best way to get them to stick with it is to play music! Play a song they like and let them brush away!
Another important tip to establishing good brushing habits for children is by making sure they like the flavor of their toothpaste. If they do, it’s much easier to get your child to brush.
Drop the Bad Habits/Foods
As a professional dentist in Raleigh, NC, we know the habits and foods that lead to poor oral health. Diets that are high in sugar can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Limiting your amount of sugary foods can improve your health.
Furthermore, watching your intake of drinks like coffee and red wine can help keep your teeth white. While we’d never say not to drink either now and then, after consuming them you should drink water to rinse your mouth.
Those who use tobacco products should look to quit. Beyond the negative effects on oral hygiene and bad breath, tobacco can drastically impact your health for the worse.
Go to the Dentist
See your dentist! No matter how well you take care of your teeth and gums, your dentist will always help. They have the tools, education, knowledge, and experience necessary to thoroughly clean your teeth. Dental professionals are here for your benefit, so you should take advantage of their expertise!
Schedule at least two dentist appointments a year for proper cleanings. You’ll be thoroughly assessed for any oral health complications and given tips to keep up your health. These visits are invaluable for improving your oral health and limiting the likelihood of future complications.
Floss Daily
Just like brushing, flossing your teeth is an essential practice for proper oral health. While many people moan and groan to their dentist’s office about flossing, it’s an easy habit to implement. After only a few days of doing so, it’ll become ingrained in your ritual.
Flossing can help clean your teeth and get rid of food particles that brushing can’t get to. Plus, it improves your gum health and your breath. And who doesn’t care about how their breath smells?
Try flossing once a day before you brush your teeth. That way, all the hard to get plaque and particles are freed up before you brush and rinse.
If your children have trouble flossing with standard string floss, consider trying out floss picks. It may prove easier to build a habit with floss picks for your kids.
Drink Lots of Water
Lastly, drink lots and lots of water. The Mayo Clinic recommends that men should drink 15.5 cups of water a day. For women, it’s 11.5 cups. Making sure you drink an adequate amount of water is good for your whole body, including your oral health.
When you drink a glass of water after a meal, cup of coffee, or tea, your teeth get a much-needed rinse. You’ll have fewer food particles build up on your teeth and fewer chemicals that can stain your teeth. Water protects your teeth and gums, and can even help your breath smell better.
Request an appointment with the best dentist in Raleigh, NC, today. New Hope Dental Care is Raleigh’s go-to dentist for improving patient’s oral hygiene.