Habits to Include in Your Dental Routine

We’ve all heard we should brush twice a day, but are you really doing all you can to ensure a healthy mouth and smile? Picking up the right habits when it comes to oral hygiene will not only ensure a whiter smile, but also has a positive effect on your overall health too. Here are some simple habits you should be including in your dental routine.

Brushing properly
As well as brushing twice a day, you should also be brushing for the recommended time of two minutes. Picking a favourite song that goes for approximately two minutes or using a stop watch can help you ensure you are brushing as long as you should. When brushing, make sure you are not neglecting those important surfaces like the insides of your teeth, your gums and your tongue. Brushing too hard can damage gums, so pick a suitable bristle (soft) and go gentle.

Another common mistake people make is brushing too soon after a meal. After eating and drinking, the enamel on our teeth can temporarily soften. Brushing too soon after eating and drinking can therefore cause you to accidentally erode your enamel. Try and wait for an hour after consuming food and drink before brushing your teeth as it gives your saliva a chance to neutralise the acid content.

Replace toothbrushes every 3–4 months to ensure they provide a thorough clean.

Flossing
Many of us are guilty of leaving flossing off our to-do list in the mornings and evenings, however it’s extremely important. As our brushes only reach so far, forgetting to floss means you are neglecting the bacteria and food that can become lodged in between your teeth. Flossing regularly means bacteria is less likely to survive in your mouth.

Drink more water

Healthy habits should be implemented throughout the day, which includes having a think about what you eat and drink. If you regularly consume soft drinks, coffee, tea and wine, or food that has the ability to stain your teeth, it may be worth swapping some of these out. As the norm, you should consume water more than flavoured beverages. Drinking after meals and flavoured drinks will also help to remove residue.

Have regular check ups

Everyone, even those who do not require teeth correction, fillings etc. should be attending regular dental appointments with their dentist. The recommended time is every 6 months to recognise early signs of damage and be able to fix them before they become larger issues.