Whether you have been forced to reschedule an upcoming dentist appointment or are just looking for ways to improve your dental hygiene, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure your teeth look and feel great. Continue reading to familiarise yourself with the best practices for healthy teeth at home in Vancouver.
Brush and floss twice a day
The importance of brushing your teeth twice a day is preached from a young age but flossing your teeth is equally important. Whilst your toothbrush may get rid of any surface stains and debris, floss can extend to those hard-to-reach gaps between your teeth to ensure no food or bacteria is left behind. By neglecting this crucial step, plaque and tartar can build up and trigger the onset of tooth decay in the long run.
Use mouthwash
Whilst mouthwash may seem like an optional step in the teeth cleaning process, it can revolutionize your approach to your overall health and wellness. By swirling it around your mouth for no more than a minute, it can decrease acid levels in the mouth, seek out any lingering food particles, and even remineralize your teeth. Regardless of your age and dental history, mouthwash should be a welcome addition to your oral hygiene routine.
Limit your intake of salt and sugar
In the simplest of terms, salt and sugar convert to acid in the mouth. By consuming too much salt and sugar, you run the risk of not only eroding the enamel of your teeth but developing cavities. A dentist in Kitsilano BC or elsewhere in Vancouver may be able to reverse the process but prevention starts at home. Fruits high in acidity, tea, coffee, and fizzy drinks can also have a negative impact on your teeth in the long run. When it comes to your diet, complete avoidance of salt and sugar is not necessary, but a mindful attitude can go a long way.
Boost your water intake
When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, water is key. As well as promoting overall health and wellness, it can protect your teeth from a number of serious health conditions down the line. There is no universal rule of thumb, but most dentists recommend drinking a glass of water after every meal. This can wash away any remaining acid present on the surface of the teeth. It is also recommended that you drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day and rehydrate on a regular basis.
Brush your tongue
During the teeth brushing process, you should not neglect your tongue. As well as your teeth, plaque can also build up on your tongue. This can lead to bad breath and trigger further oral hygiene problems down the line.
In between trips to your local Vancouver dentist, you must ensure you are prioritizing oral hygiene at home. To do so, brush and floss twice a day, use mouthwash, limit your intake of salt and sugar, boost your water intake, and brush your tongue.