Your Invisalign® ProviderYou can maintain healthy teeth and gums for life by following these oral health tips.
1. Brush twice a day, for at least 2 minutes.
To maintain good oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed, for two to four minutes each time. To begin, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle in a sweeping motion. Brush your upper teeth using a sweeping downward motion. Use a sweeping upward motion for your lower teeth. Only brush back and forth on chewing surfaces.
2. Floss every night.
Floss your teeth every night before brushing them to reduce the risk of tooth decay and to remove debris. This also contributes to the health of your gums. Use a string of floss that is at least 18 inches long so that you can use a fresh section of floss every few teeth. Remember that the floss should be rubbed against the teeth in a forward or backward 'C' shape. Using the floss, wrap it around each tooth.
3. Rinse with mouthwash daily.
You may choose to add mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine to help kill the germs that can build up in your mouth. Since mouthwash can go where toothbrushes and floss can't, it can help to rid your mouth of debris that can irritate the gum line and lead to gum disease.
4. Brush or scrape your tongue daily.
After brushing your teeth, bacteria can still remain on the tongue. Brushing or scraping your tongue as part of your daily routine can help to get rid of this bacteria, and also helps to freshen your breath. Be sure to use one toothbrush for brushing, and a different toothbrush for scraping your tongue.
5. Visit the dentist regularly.
Visit the dentist, at least twice a year, for a dental examination and cleaning. Dentists and hygienists have tools and techniques to clean your teeth far more thoroughly than you can at home. Regular exams also mean your dentist can find any issues that are developing sooner and offer treatment options to prevent them from getting worse.
6. Don’t delay dental treatments.
Many people are afraid of getting dental treatments, and others avoid them because they believe they will be too expensive. The truth is that preventive check-ups and treatments are inexpensive when compared to the extensive care required for a dental crown or implant. Avoiding necessary treatments may have a negative impact on your dental hygiene and end up costing you more in the long run.
7. Make healthy food choices and minimize sugar.
The food you eat affects your entire body, including your teeth. So, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit your intake of sugar, which causes cavities. Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for maintaining gum and tooth health. Although supplements are available, it is preferable to consume milk, fortified orange juice, yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. Vitamin B complex is also necessary for keeping gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding.
8. Limit pop, coffee, and alcohol.
Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make white teeth appear dull and discoloured. It is best to choose beverages such as milk, which helps to strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, and water which hydrates your body.
9. Wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
If you play sports or other contact activities, it is recommended to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth and gums from impact or injury. Most dental offices offer custom-made mouth guards for patients to comfortably fit their smiles and keep their teeth safe from damage.
10. Avoid habits that are harmful to your teeth.
Steer clear of tobacco and other substances that are harmful to your teeth, and try to break habits such as biting your nails or opening bottle caps with your teeth. If you have the habit of sucking your thumb, lip-biting, tongue-thrusting, or clenching your teeth, consult a dentist for treatment options.