As a mom, you know just how difficult it can be to find the time for self-care.
Between making meals, keeping your kids from breaking everything in your home, and coordinating carpool with that weird mom on your block, you barely have time to think!
However, self-care is essential — not just for your sanity, but so you can set a great example for your children.
One of the easiest and most basic forms of self-care? Good oral hygiene.
You might think you’re taking good care of your teeth. But how can you be sure?
Read our list of these dental tips to find out — and be sure to share them with your kids!
1. Make Sure You’re Brushing Correctly
Pretty much everyone (thankfully) is aware that they need to brush their teeth a minimum of two times a day.
But are you actually brushing the correct way?
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your brushing experience, position your brush at about a 45-degree angle. This way, when you brush, you’ll clean both the teeth and the gums.
Also, resist the temptation to move your brush only from side to side.
Instead, aim to make small circular motions with your brush, which will help to knock more plaque and debris loose.
Also, make sure you replace your toothbrush at least every three months.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to brush your tongue! In fact, your tongue is where the worst-smelling bacteria in your mouth live. You can invest in a tongue scraper, but a simple toothbrush will do the job just as well.
2. Try A Waterpik
We know that many of you likely aren’t too thrilled with the prospect of flossing your teeth every day.
However, even if it’s uncomfortable, it’s also incredibly important.
It stops plaque from building up, cleans areas your toothbrush can’t always get to and can help to prevent periodontal disease. If you just can’t stand the string version, try a Waterpik instead.
Waterpiks can help you to clean the areas around braces and other orthodontic work and offer a deeper clean than flossing alone.
3. Know What To Avoid
If you want your teeth to stay looking beautiful (and working perfectly) there are a few things you need to stay away from.
The number-one thing to avoid?
Smoking and tobacco. This isn’t just a dental tip — it’s a health tip, too.
First of all, it turns your teeth an unsightly yellow shade and can cause your gums to deteriorate quickly.
According to research compiled by the American Dental Association, smoking can also lead to:
- Complications after dental procedures/surgery
- Gum disease
- Cancer in the mouth
- A weakened sense of taste
- Stains on the tongue
In short, if you aren’t smoking, don’t pick up the habit, and if you are, look into ways to quit.
But avoiding tobacco isn’t the only thing to remove from your lifestyle on this list of dental tips.
You should also aim to reduce your intake of sugary sodas, coffee, and (unfortunately for all the wine moms out there) alcohol. This is because all of these drinks contain high amounts of phosphorus.
Over time, this can actually lower your overall levels of calcium, which can weaken your teeth. Plus, the corn syrup in sodas can lead to tooth discoloration. Cut back on these drinks, and try to brush your teeth immediately afterward.
4. Get Regular Dental Checkups
We know that not a lot of people like going to the dentist. Some may even experience great anxiety before an appointment.
Take steps to calm yourself down, like learning as much as possible about your procedures and even bringing a friend to your appointment. Colgate’s website also has lots of information about what you can expect to go on during your dental appointment.
Also, you’ll feel a lot better when you find a dentist you know you can trust. You can learn a lot about a dental practice from its website.
For example, Forest Park Dental dentists include an introductory video on their homepage, clearly display their contact information, and include customer reviews on their website.
Remember that not all dental problems are visible to the naked eye — much less to someone who isn’t a professional.
Whether the appointment is for you or your child, you need to make sure you visit the dentist at least once every six months to stop any problems from getting worse.
5. Choose The Right Mouthwash…
Next up on our list of dental tips?
Make sure you’re using a mouthwash that’s doing more than just freshening your breath.
When you’re selecting your mouthwash, look for options that contain chlorine dioxide. Listerine is a great example.
This is because the agents in these mouthwashes actually help to eliminate the bacteria in your mouth while assisting in strengthening your teeth.
6. And Pick The Right Toothpaste!
Just like mouthwashes, not all toothpaste is created equal.
When you’re shopping for your next tube, make sure you look for one that has the ADA seal on it. This means that the manufacturers have followed regulations put in place by the American Dental Association.
In addition to helping you to clean your teeth more thoroughly, this seal means that the amount of fluoride in the toothpaste has been regulated.
Embrace Your Pearly Whites With These Dental Tips
Thanks to these dental tips, you’re ready to take your oral hygiene to the next level.
One final tip?
Always make sure that you supervise the brushing and flossing of your children. Consider setting up a rewards system or tracking their brushing with a sticker chart.
Explain to them that taking care of their teeth now will help them to avoid serious problems in the future!
Looking for more tips on how to be the best mom you can be? Need advice on how to find coupons for that ADA-approved toothpaste we mentioned here?
Check out our website to find the best deals for exactly what you’re looking for. Be sure to spend some time on our blog to get access to the latest parenting hacks and money-saving deals.
Now, it’s time to book your dental checkup!