Just like regular exercise isn’t the only part of your systemic well being — you also need to eat well and get enough sleep to feel good — visiting the dentist in Dublin every so often isn’t enough to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. If you do manage to stay on top of your six month checkups and cleanings, that’s a big step in the right direction. Now here’s what else you can do to ensure you enjoy long-lasting oral health.
Brush Thoroughly
It’s all too easy easy to get into a habit of lazy brushing — you’re late to work in the morning, or really tired at night. But brushing for the full two minutes, every time you brush, is crucial for a thorough clean. How to know if you’re reaching the two minute mark? Set the timer on your smartphone and focus on each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds. Many electric toothbrushes come with timers to make getting a full clean even easier.
To spice up your routine, you may want to consider adding a little exercise, like toothbrush squats, to the mix. Toned legs and healthier teeth? Not a bad combo.
Break Bad Habits…
During your regular checkup and cleaning, Dr. Buck or one of our hygienists may clue in on the telltale evidence of your mindless habits — like chewing on ice or biting your nails. Both can cause chips or breaks in the tooth enamel, ranging in size anywhere from microscopic to highly visible. And aggressive toothbrushing, which many people don’t realize they are guilty of, erodes tooth enamel and leaves your smile vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.
You can break a habit by switching it out for something that won’t damage your teeth, like reaching for sugar-free gum instead of your pen when you’re bored. Learning proper toothbrushing technique (soft, gentle circular motions) protects your tooth enamel, too.
…and Form Good Ones
Some of the things that are good for your smile simply require habit-forming. Like flossing. Most adults would like to floss regularly, but they just can’t remember to do it each evening. To pick up a flossing habit, leave the dental floss somewhere you’re sure to see it at night, like beside the faucet. Commit to cleaning between your teeth every single night and after a couple of weeks, you just might feel incomplete without the dental floss.
Eat (and Drink) Well
Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is just as important for your oral health as it is for your systemic wellbeing. Are you getting a variety of nutrients on a daily basis? People who eat an array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins are likely to have healthier teeth and gums, too.
Come See Dr. Buck!
After some time spent perfecting your good dental hygiene habits and maintaining proper nutrition, your checkups and cleanings at Distinctive Smiles are likely to be a breeze. And even if you’re not to that point yet, that’s ok! We’re here to help you enjoy the ultimate in dental health, no matter what. Schedule an appointment at Distinctive Smiles today.