This article presents 10 minor lifestyle changes or positive habits that can greatly improve upon your oral health and hygiene.
We all know how important regular and thorough brushing is for the preservation of good oral health and hygiene, says the dentist in Colorado Springs CO. Most of us get it right too. But over and above that morning and evening brush, there are many other lifestyle changes and habits we can adopt to really ensure the long term health of our teeth and gums. When you consider the statistics of tooth loss in the United States, it is clear that we aren’t doing everything in our power to maintain a high standard of oral health. At the end of the day, it just takes a few minor changes to vastly improve your chance of keeping all of your pearly whites until well into your late adulthood and beyond, says the dentist in Colorado Springs CO. And so, without further ado, here are 10 important things you could do to improve your oral health in both the short and long term.
10 Important Lifestyle Changes and Positive Habits
1.Brush for two minutes at a time. Brushing your teeth is an action that we seldom pay much attention to, explains the dentist in Colorado Springs CO. Some people will spend a quick 20 seconds at the bathroom sink, if not less. The reality is that in order to minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth, you need to brush meticulously and thoroughly. And the guideline for this is two minutes, spending 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth, says dentist in Colorado Springs CO.
2.Floss every single day, without exception. Flossing, says the dentist in Colorado Springs CO, is an integral part of your home oral hygiene routine. It cleans spaces your toothbrush simply cannot reach, thus preventing the build-up of cavity and disease-causing plaque and tartar.
3.Drink more waterand less fruit juice, sports drinks, soda, coffee and tea. Opting for water over sugar-rich acidic drinks is not only great for your general health, but your teeth as well, says the dentist in Colorado Springs CO. Bacteria thrive upon sugar, so reducing the amount you consume will prevent these nasty pathogens from flourishing in your mouth. Sodas and fruit juices also tend to be very acidic, which softens your dental enamel, rendering it far more vulnerable to erosion. Water is always the better, healthier option, advises the dentist in Colorado Springs CO.
4.Tooth grinder? Have a mouth guard fitted. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is mostly a sub-conscious habit caused by stress, explains the dentist in Colorado SpringsCO. It causes incredible damage to the chewing surfaces of the teeth and can wear them right down to the dentine and even the pulp chamber, which can cause immense pain not to mention an elevated risk of tooth decay and loss. Wearing a mouth guard at night will prevent this severe erosion from permanently damaging your teeth, says the dentist in Colorado Springs CO.
5.Stop smoking!
6.Don’t use your teeth as tools!Forcing open containers, ripping open packets and chewing ice and popcorn kernels are NOT activities our teeth are meant for, says the dentist in Colorado Springs CO. Avoid these habits as they can cause severe damage to your dental enamel.
7.Drink tap water rather than filtered or bottled water. It is our most important source of important trace elements and minerals, such as fluoride, calcium and magnesium, says the dentist in Colorado Springs CO.
8.Never ignore an oral complaint, ailment or anomaly. If you ever notice a shift in your oral health, be it a change in the color of your gums or a tooth ache, book an appointment with your dentist in Colorado Springs CO immediately. Problems treated in their infancy are not likely to do lasting or permanent damage. The treatment prescribed is also far more likely to be non-invasive and inexpensive.
Dr. Morgan and Dr. Rogers are two highly qualified and experienced dentists located in Colorado Springs. Their services range from the placement of dental implants to general preventative oral healthcare. If it has been more than six months since your last appointment with the dentist in Colorado Springs CO, don’t hesitate to contact our office.