3 Dental Habits You Should Start Today

Having strong, bright teeth has nothing to do with luck; it comes with practicing healthy habits every day. If you currently have poor oral hygiene, it is never too late to establish better dental habits for life to protect your teeth and ward off gum disease.

Bad Dental Habits

If you have an undeniable sweet tooth, it may be hard to imagine taking in less sugar. However, cutting down on sugary and starchy foods will help you avoid tooth decay. When you indulge in sweet treats, the plaque in your mouth combines with the sugars and produces a harmful acid that wears away at teeth enamel.

In addition to less sugar, stop smoking for good oral hygiene. Smoking is responsible for many health problems, including gum disease and oral cancer. Besides, it wreaks havoc on your breath and causes teeth discoloration. For improved dental health and whole-body wellness, stop smoking.

Healthy Habits

Dental health begins at home with proper oral hygiene. This is the daily practice of keeping your entire mouth clean to avoid dental issues, such as cavities, decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

1. Floss Regularly: Many people find flossing to be too much of a chore. Unfortunately, this group may fail to realize that skipping this crucial step is only hurting them. It only takes about a minute to remove plaque buildup and food debris from between teeth and below the gum line, where gum disease bacteria breeds.
2. Teeth Brushing: If you are not currently brushing at least twice daily, now is the time to start. A great way to instill this important dental habit is to brush your teeth as soon as you get out of bed and right before you retire for the night. It won’t take long before it becomes a routine.
3. Keep Up with Routine Dental Visits: Visit your dentist as often as recommended, this is typical twice a year for professional dental cleanings and exams. Bi-annual cleanings are an effective measure for controlling plaque and tartar buildup. Regularly scheduled dentist visits also allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your mouth and provides an opportunity for early intervention if any dental health issues start to arise.