7 tips on how to protect your teeth

Prioritizing the health of your teeth is just as important as any other part of the body. Maintaining the health of your mouth does not require taking extensive measures, but it does involve you caring for your teeth using adequate oral hygiene measures. Understanding the importance of oral health and the connection it has to your overall health should be emphasized during childhood. Children with healthy oral habits will continue to practice them throughout adulthood. In fact, good oral hygiene can prevent the development of gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, and the need for endodontic treatment. In addition, visiting a Winnipeg dental clinic every six months for a cleaning and check-up is a vital part of tending to your oral health.

Advice from Your Winnipeg Dentist

If you wish to take good care of your oral health, then the following tips should be implemented into your daily routine. If you have any concerns regarding your oral hygiene routine, contact your dental Clinic in North Kildonan:

    • Brush twice a day:

      This is a practice that should be performed for clean and presentable teeth. You should make use of a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, which will help to keep your mouth healthy and free from plaque. You should brush for about two minutes each time to wash away the debris and bacteria present in the mouth.

    • Brush when you wake up:

      Just after waking up in the morning, you should brush your teeth as quickly as possible especially before eating. This is because, brushing will help to bring down the temperature of the mouth, where food particles, tartar and bacteria harvest. The presence of tartar in the mouth does not only irritate the gum but also creates a bad odor in the mouth.

    • Do not overbrush:

      It is important to brush for more than two minutes. However, brushing for more than that can wear away the enamel. The enamel helps to prevent tooth decay, thereby exposing the tooth to some sort of infection. Overbrushing can actually expose the layer of dentin, and this may increase the feeling of pain in the teeth. Be conscious of the time it takes to brush your teeth to avoid disposing yourself of oral infection.

    • Do not brush too hard:

      Brushing your teeth too hard can also result in loss of the enamel. It is important that you brush your teeth carefully and with the utmost ease. Applying force to the teeth will cause the surface layer to wear away. While brushing, gently move the toothbrush back and forth in short motions. In addition, replace your toothbrush every three months or whenever the bristles appear frayed. Proper brushing techniques can be explained in further detail by a Winnipeg dentist.

    • Make sure that you floss daily:

      Flossing should always be included during your oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps to remove the debris and plaque left behind by brushing. Be careful rinsing and flossing will help to remove plaque and prevent build-up on the teeth and gum line. Note, brushing on its own is not enough to properly clean the teeth.

    • What should come first between brushing or flossing:

      It does not matter which one comes first between the two, as long as you are brushing and flossing on a daily basis. However, it is most common for brushing to be done first followed by flossing. Oral hygiene routines should be individualized to fit your needs. Note, if you have any concerns regarding your oral hygiene routine simply ask your dentist in Winnipeg.

    • Do not drink or eat foods that contain too much sugar:

      When consumed, a drink such as soda causes acid formation. When this occurs, it can strip away the enamel and erode the inside structure of the teeth. Therefore, it is best to avoid the intake of foods and drinks that have high sugar content. If you are consuming soda, do so in moderation to avoid the harmful effects of acid. In addition, consuming soda can stain and discolor the teeth making your pearly whites not so pearly.

Visit Your Dentist in Winnipeg

Your smile makes a long-lasting first impression, and the easiest way to make a good impression is through your oral hygiene habits. With that said, your oral hygiene habits affect more than just your physical appearance. Having a well taken care of and healthy mouth can prevent a plethora of health-related concerns, i.e. oral cancer near you. In fact, a swab of saliva can help tell your Winnipeg dentist what is going on in your body. Understand that brushing and flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet and avoiding sugary foods can do wonders for not only your oral health but general health. In addition, be sure to visit your Winnipeg dental clinic every six months for a dental cleaning near you and a check-up.