Ways To Enhance Your Oral Hygiene Habits

Written By Lewis Robinson / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

How you care for your teeth, gums and mouth has a significant effect on your overall health. If you don't properly tend to your oral health now, you may suffer from issues as severe as heart disease later in life. By making minor adjustments to your daily routine, you can ensure your smile stays bright.

Here are some things you can do to improve your dental health. 

Brush Regularly

You should brush your teeth twice each day: once in the morning and again before bed. Don't rush this process. Brushing should take about two minutes. You'll want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in circular motions across each tooth. Make sure you clean your tongue as well because it houses germs.

If you're looking for the best toothpaste, most dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste. However, there are types of toothpaste for nearly every ailment — tartar control, whitening and sensitivity. Some people use bentonite clay for teeth and make homemade toothpaste. Decide what your needs are and choose toothpaste based on your preferences.

Start Flossing

Do you skimp on flossing? Most people do. However, it's in your best interest to get into a habit. Dental floss can get into the tight spaces between your teeth to remove food and plaque that brushing can't. Getting rid of this buildup decreases your risk of tooth decay, cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, studies have shown that there is a link between dental hygiene and heart health. To floss correctly, gently glide the floss between each tooth, making sure to get into the curves of the gums. Unwind the floss as you go and use a new section between each tooth. If your teeth are close together, you might find flossing extra tricky.

Some alternatives to try are water or air flossers. Use a floss pick if you're searching for an inexpensive choice. You should floss at least once per day. The time of the day is up to you; however, it's recommended to floss before brushing, as it will loosen the plaque stuck around your teeth.

Go to the Dentist

Try to set up dental exams every six months. These visits allow your dentist to check your teeth for cavities and decay, both of which can be fixed easily if caught early. Your dentist is also qualified to check for any abnormalities in your mouth, including lumps or lesions, which could indicate early-stage cancer.

The sooner your doctor sees an issue, the quicker it can be treated. Most dental visits have the same protocol. Dental hygienists deep clean your teeth and take X-rays to check for problems. The dentist then looks over the films and examines your teeth and mouth. The cleaning is important for your oral health because it's more in-depth than what you do at home. 

Use Mouthwash

After brushing, use mouthwash to get rid of germs and prevent bad breath. It can provide added protection against cavities, gum disease and tooth decay. Make it a habit to swish 30 to 60 seconds for the best results.

Change Your Diet

What you eat and drink affects your oral health. For example, coffee and red wine can stain your teeth and erode the enamel over time. If you need coffee to function, wait until it cools down and drink it with a straw or use sugar-free sweeteners and creamers.

Additionally, you should avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar feeds harmful germs, and this germs creates acid that causes cavities. You don't have to cut sugar out of your diet completely. However, it's better to ingest natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables.

Eating raw vegetables stimulates saliva flow, which helps to fight cavities. Also, the crunchiness of a carrot or broccoli can remove plaque. 

It's important to take dental care seriously. By making a few changes to your oral hygiene routine, you can ensure that you'll have beautiful, healthy teeth for years to come.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Lewis Robinson is a freelance writer and expert in health and fitness. When he isn’t writing he can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash