Maintaining good dental hygiene is impossible without personal dental care. Unfortunately, many people ignore how important dental hygiene is.

Hence the team at Dentistry@Richmond would like you to know the best dental care habits you should pick up in 2023.

Teeth Brushing

Brushing your teeth properly is a basic but effective way to maintain your dental hygiene. It is essential for clearing any buildup of food remnants and plaque on your teeth and gums. If left too long, the plaque and food particles can cause oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay.

Brushing is very effective if done twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You should try to clean all the surfaces of your teeth and gums to remove as much plaque and food particles as possible. On average, you should spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth thoroughly.

You should also monitor your toothbrush carefully. Frayed bristles on a toothbrush are not effective in cleaning your teeth. If you can visually detect frayed bristles, you need a new toothbrush. Alternatively, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.

Teeth Flossing

Another useful personal dental care technique is flossing your teeth regularly. Toothbrushes are great for teeth cleaning but they cannot reach areas between your teeth and along the gum line. Food particles and plaque can still gather in those areas and cause oral health issues. To properly eliminate those dental hazards, you should floss your teeth often.

Using Mouthwash

For areas that you can’t reach with a toothbrush or floss, mouthwash can help. This chemical is great for killing oral bacteria and eliminating bad breath. Using mouthwash regularly doesn’t just reduce your risk for cavities and other dental hygiene problems, it also strengthens your teeth’s enamel. However, you should never try to use mouthwash as a replacement for regular brushing and flossing. It should be an additional measure of dental care.

Healthy Diet

The foods you consume regularly can also affect your personal oral care. Food items with a particularly high sugar content or a low pH value have been shown to negatively affect dental health. Examples of these include

1. Cookies, cake, candy and other sweets
2. Sodas and fruit juices with high sugar content
3. Citrus fruits and fruit juices like lemons and grapefruits
4. Bread, crackers and other foods with high starch content
5. Dried fruits that can stick to your teeth

Your dental care would be best served if you reduce or eliminate the amount of these foods you consume regularly.

Regular Dental Appointments

No matter how careful you are about dental care, some issues can take hold without your notice. When you do notice them, addressing them becomes a difficult and expensive undertaking.

To remedy this situation, you should have check-ups with your dentist on a regular basis. They can examine your teeth, gums and oral cavity to diagnose any issues before they get too serious and provide early intervention. Additionally, they can clean your teeth professionally and help you get rid of any tartar buildup.

Avoiding Tobacco

Tobacco products have been shown to harmfully affect oral health in several ways. A good number of oral health issues can be caused by the use of tobacco, either smoking or chewing.

1. Your teeth can become stained and discoloured from the use of tobacco.
2. Your breath can be affected by tobacco and the odour is persistent
3. Your gums can become infected through tobacco use.
4. Smoking and chewing tobacco can damage your gums and corrode your teeth, forcing them to fall out.
5. Oral cancer can be caused by the use of tobacco.

Hence, abstaining from or quitting tobacco can improve your oral health significantly.

Dentistry@Richmond – Quality Dental Services in Richmond, ON

The best dental care practices are timeless, protecting your teeth and gums from decay and other issues. By adopting these habits in 2023, you can avoid uncomfortable situations with bad breath, and toothaches and maintain a bright and healthy smile.

Please contact us if you need the services of professional dental care hygienists. Dentistry@Richmond is proud to provide stellar dental care to the residents of Richmond and the surrounding areas. Our approach to dentistry is with a state-of-the-art facility and a team of dedicated and experienced professionals. With our help, your dental health will remain pristine for as long as you need it.