Just over half of American adults go to the dentist as often as they should, according to the American Dental Association. So, chances are, you’ve let your oral health care fall by the wayside — and you may be wondering how you can improve it.
The importance of oral health can’t be overstated. Maintaining it means you keep bacteria in check, bacteria that can have adverse effects on your overall well-being.
So, if you’re ready to take control of your oral health, read on. These are our five best tips for maintaining a smile that’s just as strong on the inside as it is beautiful on the outside.
1. Skip the Sugar
Do you notice that your teeth feel fuzzy after you drink soda or eat sweets? That’s dental plaque left behind on your teeth from your diet. And, not only is it an unpleasant feeling, but it’s a sign that your diet could be hurting your teeth.
Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that can negatively affect your oral health. So, avoid sugary foods, or brush as quickly as possible post-sweet treat to keep your teeth at their healthiest.
2. Floss Your Teeth
Another oral care secret: brushing isn’t the only way to clean your teeth. In fact, if you’re not flossing, you’re missing a lot of hidden bacteria.
Reach for this special string once a day and thread it through the gaps in your teeth to remove lingering bacteria and food leftovers. This stops cavities from forming between teeth, saving you from a more painful and more expensive visit to the dentist next time around.
3. Swish With Mouthwash
On that note, you might want to add a daily mouthwash session into your routine, too. Swishing around an enamel-strengthening formula can help your teeth stand up against the aforementioned sugar, food debris, and bacteria.
4. Stay On Top of Dental Visits
You can clean your teeth regularly and thoroughly, but there still could be a lingering problem that you can’t see. A dentist can make sure your pearly whites aren’t just pretty, but healthy, too. Learn more about choosing the right dentist for you by clicking this link.
During your visit, a hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing built-up plaque and tartar, the latter of which can only be removed with professional-grade tools. Then, the dentist will inspect your smile to ensure it’s as healthy as can be.
5. Invest in a Quality Toothbrush
Finally, make sure the tools you’re using to clean your teeth every day are up to snuff. Namely, invest in a high-quality toothbrush to efficiently get rid of plaque and debris.
An electronic toothbrush is usually your best bet, as it spins much faster than you can manually rotate a traditional toothbrush. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good one anymore, either. Plenty of brands have options from $50 or less.
Improve Your Oral Health Care Now
These five tips prove that it doesn’t have to be difficult to improve your oral health care. Instead, making a few small swaps can pay in dividends — a lifetime of solid dental health, namely. And we think that’s something to smile about.
Check back with us for more thrifty ideas that could help you get your dental care products at a fraction of the price.