Creating and maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile isn’t something that takes incredible work or money. With the help of your dentist or Eustis periodontist, along with some at home lifestyle changes, you can avoid tooth pain and gum disease, as well as correct previous damage.
Here are some tips to improve your oral health today:
1. Learn to brush properly.
Most people learn to brush their teeth as a child, and their brushing techniques have not changed since. Often, these are not the optimal techniques. Brushing your teeth correctly not only protects your teeth and gums from damage, but proper technique allows for greater plaque and debris removal.
The Bass method has been shown to be a safe and effective way to brush your teeth. To brush using the Bass method, angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees between the tooth and the gum rather than perpendicular to the tooth. In addition, instead of a horizontal brushing motion, use a circular motion to clean the teeth.
2. Adjust your diet.
One of the major reasons for oral health issues is your diet. It should come to no surprise that certain foods and drinks have been proven to damage your teeth and gums. Things like sticky candies, soda, sports drinks, citrus fruits, starchy snacks and coffee can decay or damage your teeth.
3. Floss, floss, floss
You hear it from your dentist every visit, and it’s still just as important. Your toothbrush cannot reach in between your teeth. In order to adequately clean between your teeth, flossing is a necessity. Many cavities form in these spaces and can eventually lead to greater damage.
4. Break bad habits.
It is well known that tobacco is harmful for your teeth, gums and entire oral health. Beyond tobacco use, do not use your teeth as tools. Avoid opening bottles, breaking fishing line, or chewing ice as they can hurt your tooth structure.
5. Visit your dentist.
Caring for your teeth at home with proper brushing and flossing habits is a great way to maintain oral health. However, visiting your dentist as scheduled can allow them to ensure healthy teeth and gums. If they end up finding any traces of gum disease, they can refer you to a periodontics office such as Richardson Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Eustis, FL.
For more information about the dental procedures available at Richardson Periodontics & Implant Dentistry or to set up an appointment, contact our Eustis periodontist office at (352) 589-1973.