If you have ever experienced gum disease or a toothache, you know there is a connection between your overall health and your mouth. Studies show that cardiovascular diseases and diabetes may be linked to bacteria naturally growing in your mouth. Therefore, maintaining good oral habits is essential for maintaining your overall health as they keep bacteria under control and prevent inflammation.
If you are anything like us and want to ensure you live your best life, here are some essential habits that you should incorporate into your life to maintain a good oral health.
Brush & Floss
We all know the importance of brushing and flossing our teeth, yet so many of us struggle with it. Let's face it; it is a chore. Even if it only takes two minutes to brush your teeth, it can be even more annoying when you are tired and want to go to sleep. But if you're going to maintain your oral health, you must make it into a daily habit.
If you are confused about whether you should floss before or after brushing your teeth, dentists recommend flossing before brushing your teeth as this helps remove the plaque particles between your teeth. Dentists also recommend gently brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time. The keyword here is gentle - you don't want to be aggressive with your teeth as this can cause your gums to recede.
Visit your Dentist
Even if you consistently brush your teeth, there are still areas that need a little help from a professional. During your regular dental check-up, your dentist will remove plaque, check for gum disease, and x-ray your teeth and jaw for any abnormalities. Skipping your regular dental check-ups may not seem like such a big deal at first, but in the long run, it may cost you, as most dental issues happen below the surface and are hard to notice. When it comes to the dentist, our motto is "prevention is better than cure." There is nothing worse than paying thousands of dollars trying to fix a toothache that could have been prevented in the first place.
So, to avoid any problem from occurring, our recommendation is to see your dentist at least twice a year. We promise this will save you and your wallets in the long run.
Limit Sugary Foods
A well-balanced diet is good for our health. But did you know it is also good for your teeth? According to the Canadian Dental Association, the harmful bacteria in your mouth feed off the sugar you consume to create acids that damage your teeth. If these acids are not removed when you brush your teeth, they break down your tooth enamel (protective outer layer) and cause cavities. It is important to note that most of the damage caused by sugar depends on the frequency of consumption. The longer your teeth are exposed to sugar, the more damage it can do. So our recommendation is to maintain a balanced diet, limit unnecessary sugars, and brush your teeth often.
Avoid Smoking
It is known that smoking is not good for your health or teeth. The use of tobacco in any of its forms leads to a greater risk of developing gum disease, and in extreme cases, it can lead to cancer. Regardless of how long you've been smoking, it is never too late to quit. If you are a smoker, our recommendation is to avoid smoking while visiting your dentist frequently so they can have a closer look at the health of your mouth.
If you need an incentive to take care of your teeth, teeth whitening will do the trick. Seeing a bright smile may be what you need to maintain with your oral maintenance. In our experience, having the radiant smile you have always dreamt about can kick things off in the right direction. So to level up your smile, book a teeth whitening treatment with us. During our consultation, our technicians will discuss the best treatment option to ensure you get the best results.