6 Simple Things You Should Be Doing To Keep Your Oral Health In Check

Nobody looks forward to having a dental problem and, although the majority of dental issues can be dealt with quickly by your dentist, prevention is just as important as treatment.

Many people think that simply brushing their teeth every morning and night is enough to keep any problems at bay, but there’s actually a lot more that you can be doing to make sure that you’re on the front foot when it comes to your oral health!

To keep you in the know about some of the simple things that you can do to ensure that you’re really taking care of your oral health, we’ve put together a list of 6 actions that you can take.

Drink more water

Perhaps the easiest on the list but also one of the most overlooked, drinking more water is really beneficial for your dental health (and your overall health, too!).

As well as upping your general intake of water throughout the day, we recommend getting into the habit of drinking water after every meal because it can help to wash away sticky and acidic food and drink that can stick around in your mouth until you brush.

Reduce your intake of sugary and acidic food and drink

Sugary, sticky, and acidic food and drinks are one of the main culprits of enamel erosion and this can lead to tooth cavities - this includes acidic fruits, as well as tea and coffee. You don’t need to avoid these foods and drinks altogether, but keep in mind that they could be damaging your teeth if you have too much.

Floss every day

Flossing isn’t just fantastic for getting little bits of food out from in between your teeth, it also helps to stimulate your gums and reduce plaque and inflammation. Flossing every day will really help to keep your oral health in tip top condition, so try to get into the habit of it!

Some people struggle with flossing, especially children and people with arthritis, but you can buy easier-to-use dental floss from most chemists and supermarkets to help.

Use mouthwash

While brushing and flossing are so essential for your oral hygiene, try not to overlook mouthwash. Mouthwash is great for your oral health because it cleans in those hard-to-brush areas - for example, in and around the gums -, it remineralises your teeth,  and it reduces the amount of acid you have in your mouth.

There are lots of different types of mouthwash and they vary in taste and appeal. Some work best for children and some work best for people with sensitive teeth, so don’t be afraid to ask your dentist or hygienist for a recommendation of a specific mouthwash brand or type.

Brush your tongue

Gently brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth is crucial because plaque can build up on your tongue, too. This doesn’t just cause bad breath, it can lead to a multitude of other dental problems as well, so don’t neglect your tongue when you’re brushing.

Visit your dentist twice per year

Even though your everyday habits can really make or break your dental health, visiting your dentist twice a year for check ups and cleanings is really important. They’ll also be able to spot any cavities and potential problems that could occur in the future, so visiting your dentist (even if you’re the most dedicated of brushers and flossers) at least twice a year will make sure that you’ve got your oral health in check.

At Hest Bank Dental Care, we offer everything from general dentistry and emergency treatment to cosmetic dentistry and facial treatments.