Tips for Optimal Health

When thinking of being healthy, many don’t think of oral health. Keeping oral health in tip-top shape requires routine visits with your dentist and other regular hygiene habits. Having a basic oral care routine is the best way to maintain the smile between these visits.

Here are just a few tips to keep your smile healthy with some small changes to your everyday routine and habits. 

Enhance Your Flossing Experience

A typical oral health regimen requires brushing and flossing your teeth every day twice a day. However, using the best tools and learning how to use them properly can enhance your already healthy smile. 

A Waterpik is a type of water flosser that cuts the hassle of using regular waxed floss. These flossers can improve the health of gum, and many patients have found that their swollen gums have shrunk because of their implementation of this new-age device. While powerful, you shouldn’t forgo basic flossing, as effective flossing effectively removes sticky plaque off teeth. 

When flossing swipe up and down as well as at the curvatures of tooth, this will remove any plaque stuck between teeth and the gum line. 

Choosing the Right Tooth Brush

There are many shapes, sizes, and even colors of tooth brushes, but the right type of tool can improve maintenance or even enhance your oral health care at home. It’s important to choose a soft-bristled brush for removing plaque and debris, as this is gentle on enamel and reduces the risk for abrasion.

Electric toothbrushes are great alternatives to manual toothbrushes, as the automated cycling of the bristle heads can improve reach. Many also have additional features such as having a timer that notifies its user when two minutes of brushing is complete. 

Replace your tooth brush every three months or when you’ve had a cold. Bristles can collect germs and can cause an infection if used for prolonged periods of time, so keep your tools clean and fresh.

Massaging Your Gums

Patients with gingivitis or showing signs of gum infection should massage their gums periodically. This assists with the healing process and allow for more blood flow to the tissue. Take gentle pressure in circular motions to the gums between and underneath the teeth. If you don’t have gingivitis, this is still a great step to keep your gums healthy.

Consider adding these steps to your oral health routine to keep up with your smile maintenance. For more information about daily oral care or how to gain optimal oral health contact our office today.