How to Improve Your Dental Hygiene With Natural Remedies and Habits
Maintaining good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, giving you a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Natural remedies and habits you can use to improve your dental health in addition to regular check-ups with your dentist.
Brush Daily
If you’re struggling with poor oral hygiene, there are natural solutions and habits you can implement to improve your dental health. These may include brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings.
Brushing is an integral part of your oral hygiene regimen as it helps remove bacteria and plaque that cause cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Plus, it freshens your breath!
When brushing, it’s essential to use a soft-bristled brush and move it back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush each tooth for at least two minutes in order to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.
After brushing, it is recommended to swish with an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill more oral bacteria and fight plaque buildup. Choose an antibacterial mouthwash without alcohol or other ingredients which might irritate your gums.
Another beneficial habit is limiting the intake of sugary and starchy foods and drinks. These items contain high carbohydrates which can feed bacteria that causes tooth decay and other issues.
Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is beneficial to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Dehydration can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health problems when not adequately hydrated.
Eating foods that are acidic, such as citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, and soda, is a wise habit to develop. This is because these acids weaken the enamel on your teeth, leaving them more vulnerable to cavities.
You can also rinse your mouth with either saltwater or green tea to improve dental health. The saltwater rinses away bacteria that causes tooth decay, while tea may contain compounds which help regulate bacteria in your mouth.
Maintaining good oral health habits will keep your smile bright and prevent serious dental issues in the future. Not only that, but it can also improve overall wellbeing as well as boost confidence when sharing a smile with others.
Floss Daily
Flossing daily is a low-risk, easy habit that helps protect you against one of the most serious oral health issues: gum disease. Not only does it keep your mouth healthy and save money on dentist visits in the long run, but it’s an excellent way to maintain overall dental health too!
Most dentists recommend flossing as a regular part of your oral hygiene regimen, since it helps remove food particles and plaque that are difficult to reach with brushing alone. Furthermore, flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease by taking these substances out before they have time to accumulate.
Though many may be tempted to skip flossing, it’s actually quite straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment. You can easily use regular dental floss or interdental brushes that are easier to hold and use for more convenience.
To successfully floss your teeth, it is essential to use enough floss and clean below the gumline. Avoid snapping it down on your gums as this could cause damage. Instead, move the floss up and down along each tooth’s side – making sure to get between your teeth as well as around them.
If you have excessive plaque or are experiencing gum pain or bleeding, speak with your dental team. They can offer guidance on how best to floss effectively and how to stop the bleeding.
Another advantage of flossing is that it helps prevent bad breath, commonly known as halitosis. Those who neglect brushing and flossing have an increased likelihood of developing this condition as food particles can get trapped between teeth and mix with bacteria; eventually leading to decay-causing odors.
Frequent flossing not only benefits your overall health, but it has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, it may have positive effects on mental wellbeing as well as improving sleep quality.
Eat Alkaline Foods
Alkaline foods help maintain the pH balance in your body, making it easier for calcium and magnesium absorption – essential minerals for bone health and tooth development.
The alkaline diet encourages you to eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts while cutting back on sugar, alcohol, meat and processed foods in order to improve your overall health. According to its supporters, this dietary pattern also reduces inflammation and lowers cancer risks.
However, while an alkaline diet may be a good way to start eating healthier, it is not guaranteed to prevent disease or promote long-term wellbeing. It can be challenging to follow along with its acidic nature which could have detrimental effects on your dental health if not done properly.
Eating too much acid can lead to several issues, such as gum disease, tooth sensitivity and cavities. This is because acid wears away at enamel on teeth and leaves stains behind.
Furthermore, acidic foods can leach calcium from bones, making them weak and vulnerable to fractures. This could result in bone loss, weakness, chronic pain and other problems.
Alkaline foods commonly found in the Western diet include green leafy veggies like spinach and kale. These sources of vitamin C help detoxify the system while decreasing inflammation. Other alkaline produce includes radishes, carrots, turnips and beets.
Spirulina is another nutrient-rich superfood that’s high in antioxidants. Not only does it aid with digestion and lower cholesterol, but it can also promote heart and brain health as well. You can easily incorporate it into smoothies or salads as well as take it in supplement form for added benefits.
If you are frequently suffering from digestive issues such as indigestion or heartburn, try eating foods low in acid such as sweet potatoes. They contain abundant fiber which may help soothe the symptoms of indigestion.
You can also incorporate alkaline foods like oatmeal into your diet for a balanced meal. Oatmeal is packed with protein, fibre and B vitamins – just add fruit for some sweetness!
See Your Dentist Regularly
Regular checkups are essential for your oral health, and dentists can help you improve it by detecting any problems you might not be aware of. These could include cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer.
Your dentist can also offer tips and recommendations for improving your home dental hygiene routine. They may give specific directions on how to brush and floss daily as well as which foods should be avoided in order to keep teeth and gums healthy.
In addition to offering advice, your dentist can also arrange for a professional cleaning in order to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This is much better than simply brushing them at home since it helps prevent serious issues from developing.
As a general guideline, dentists recommend having dental checkups and cleanings every six months; however, some individuals may require more frequent visits due to conditions like smoking or diabetes which put you at greater risk for oral disease.
Another benefit of seeing your dentist regularly is that it helps you save money on dental treatments in the future. If gum disease or tooth decay goes unchecked, more costly treatments may be required to repair the damage.
Dentists can detect cavities early, before they cause discomfort or other problems. Furthermore, dentists are able to detect any other potential oral health issues that you might not be able to see or feel.
Mouth cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease if not caught early. By visiting your dentist regularly for checkups, they can check for any signs of oral cancer which could save your life!
It can be challenging to know how well your dental hygiene at home is doing, even if you follow all the recommended tips and tricks for keeping them clean. That is why regular trips to your dentist are so important!