Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so when your teeth and gums are healthy, it shows. Good oral hygiene can help you achieve the best oral health possible, which can lead to better overall health. However, there are other tips and tricks to maintaining a healthy mouth in Coffs Harbour.
So, if you are interested in a complete guide to oral health in Coffs Harbour, keep reading to learn more about oral hygiene practices and tips.
Coffs Harbour Smiles: Tips to Achieve Oral Health
To achieve and maintain a beautiful smile in Coffs Harbour, you and your family should follow these hygiene practices:
1. Brush Your Teeth
It probably comes as no surprise that brushing your teeth is necessary to achieve the best oral health possible, but did you know you should brush your teeth twice a day? Brushing your teeth in the morning and again before bed for at least two minutes can remove bacteria from your mouth and help you avoid tooth decay.
Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions to clean each tooth’s surface. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue as well.
When choosing a toothpaste, look for one that contains fluoride; if you have sensitive teeth or gums, consider a special toothpaste to help with those concerns.
2. Floss Your Teeth
Flossing your teeth is as important as brushing them, but it is often neglected. It would be best if you worked to make flossing a daily habit to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
When flossing, gently glide the floss up and down between each tooth to remove food particles and plaque.
3. Use Mouthwash
Adding mouthwash to your oral health routine can help you maintain a fresh, clean mouth and keep bacteria from turning into plaque that can cause tooth decay.
Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel, and avoid eating or drinking immediately after you use mouthwash.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
Your oral health can suffer if you don’t eat healthy foods. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoid too many sugary snacks that can cause tooth decay.
When you consume foods containing sugar, brush your teeth immediately afterwards or drink some water to rinse the sugar from your mouth.
5. Visit Your Coffs Harbour Dentist
You should visit your dentist every six months for a check-up so your dental team can clean and polish your teeth, identify any dental concerns and scan for oral cancer.
Professional dental cleanings can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that brushing might miss, keeping your mouth clean and promoting oral health.
6. Avoid Bad Habits
Your oral health can suffer if you smoke or use tobacco. Quitting is the best gift you can give yourself to decrease your chances of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.
Also, chewing on ice or biting your nails can also damage your teeth.
7. Teach Your Children Well
Making good oral hygiene a priority with your children can help them maintain oral health for a lifetime. Teach your children early how to brush and floss properly. Make it fun with flavoured toothpaste and colourful toothbrushes.
Also, teach them how to brush their teeth correctly by assisting them when they are young. Once they can effectively brush their teeth independently, supervise their brushing to ensure the best outcome.
8. Build Long-Term Habits
To keep a beautiful smile for a lifetime, work to build consistent oral hygiene habits. When you prioritise oral health, you can expect the best results.
Also, listen to your Coffs Harbour dentist when they advise you on maintaining your oral health, and remember that your overall health is linked to your oral health. Your healthy smile can help your body stay healthy, too!
Do You Have Oral Health Questions in Coffs Harbour, NSW?
When you have a healthy smile, it shows, so investing in your oral health is essential. If you have questions or concerns about your oral hygiene, we welcome your call! At Arthur Street Dental, our goal is to help you achieve and maintain the best smile possible, and the first step is to follow our hygiene practices and tips. You can call us on (02) 6652 1677 for more information or to arrange an appointment.