Why a Routine is Best for Great Oral Health    

Taking good care of your teeth and oral health is key to preventing bad breath and sensitive teeth as well as more serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease. It’s easy to get so busy that you neglect your dental routine, so ensuring that you set aside 10 minutes every morning and evening is essential to keeping your teeth as healthy as they can be.

A great routine keeps your mouth healthy

Great oral care starts at home. For adults and children alike, Reflections Dental Oakville is your partner in maintaining great overall health – for life!

Having a routine that you follow each day can help ensure that you remember to complete each task every day. With a new school year starting the easiest way to stay on top of your mouth health is to do the same tasks at the same time each day. Set aside 10 minutes every morning before school or work and every evening before bed to brush, floss and rinse your mouth to keep your pearly whites in top form.

8 Elements for a great oral health routine

1. Brush your teeth

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the cornerstone of a good mouth health routine. Using a soft bristled toothbrush, you’ll want to clean the surface of your teeth every morning and night, and after you eat very sugary or sticky foods. Set a timer for 2 minutes to ensure you spend enough time in all areas of your mouth and choose a toothpaste with fluoride.

2. Rinse your teeth after meals

Brushing your teeth before breakfast helps protect them from the foods you’ll eat and rinsing your mouth with water after prevents your toothbrush from rubbing harmful sugars and acids into the enamel of your teeth.

3. Floss daily

Flossing your teeth is a habit that often falls by the wayside but it is an essential step in a good mouth health routine. Flossing helps to remove debris and tartar from between your teeth, where it could otherwise sit and cause a cavity to form. After brushing your teeth at night make sure you floss between all teeth, including the ones at the back of your mouth that might be hard to reach. If you struggle to floss by hand, there are tools that you can use to help.

4. Use mouthwash

Using mouthwash to rinse your mouth after each time you brush and floss your teeth can help keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh in between brushings.

5. Clean your tongue

Using a bit of toothpaste on your toothbrush to gently brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth is a great way to remove bacteria that lives on your tongue. If you have difficulty keeping your breath smelling fresh this can help make a difference.

6. Drink your water

When your mouth becomes dry you naturally produce less saliva. Saliva in your mouth helps reduce bacteria growth, so when your mouth isn’t producing enough, bacteria can grow faster. This can lead to more cavities, plaque and tartar buildup and other similar mouth health concerns. So, drink water to help your teeth stay healthy.

7. Eat well

The foods you eat play a significant role in your oral health. Things like sugary fruits, chewy candy and acidic pop can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Choosing foods like crunchy, fibrous fruits and vegetables can help to scrub plaque and debris off your teeth every time you eat them.

8. See your dentist regularly

Having a good oral health routine can help prevent many dental issues but it won’t fix everything. Getting regular check ups and cleanings can help you stay on top of your mouth health. Regular cleanings will remove tartar and plaque and allow your dentist to catch any problems before they develop into expensive and uncomfortable problems.

Prevention is the best option

Staying on top of your dental health is the best way to ensure you don’t end up with significant issues. Following a thorough oral health routine is the best way to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.