How’s your dental care routine going?

When you meet someone new there’s a good chance you’ll notice their teeth before anything else. We can instantly judge someone’s health by the condition of their dental hygiene. Our teeth are so important and yet they can sometimes be the most neglected part of our body. So how’s your dental care going? I have a few good tips that I’ve made a habit of doing each day and they’ve made a huge difference in my life.

First, I brush my teeth in the morning with a fluoride toothpaste. There’s no need to buy some expensive stuff with all of the hype, just make sure it has fluoride and it has a flavor you enjoy. I buy brand name toothpaste at the local dollar store and save a lot of money. Next, if time allows I’ll brush my teeth and floss after breakfast and lunch. But no matter what I always brush my teeth and floss every night before I go to bed. I also use a Waterpik for a thorough cleaning.

Another thing I’ve been doing that’s been super helpful is use hydrogen peroxide as a rise. Instead of purchasing some expensive mouth wash. Plus, every now and then I’ll also add some baking soda onto my toothpaste too for any hard build-up.

Having cleaner teeth at night will reduce plaque build-up, unwanted bacteria, and reduce the risk of getting a cavity or any other oral health issues. You’ll not only have the appearance of a healthy smile but also fresh breath.

A worthwhile routine

My dental cleaning routine may seem like a lot to you but I assure you it didn’t happen for me overnight. I slowly got into the habit of doing it. Most importantly, one of the main factors that pushed me to have a somewhat strict dental hygiene routine was a few dental visits that turned into costly and uncomfortable appointments. And what’s more than that, is the knowledge that poor dental hygiene can lead to headaches, heart problems, and a host of other health issues. If you have health problems now I bet most physicians don’t think to ask you when was the last time you saw your dentist… Trust me!

So what now you may ask? Whether your dental hygiene habits are currently great or need improvement I encourage you to take that first step. And if you haven’t seen your dentist in a while I really hope you’ll call them today to schedule an appointment.

And last thing, this may seem like a no-brainer to most people but make sure you floss, clean your teeth, and scrub your tongue before your dental cleaning appointment, your hygienist and dentist will thank you.

Dental hygiene tips:

Use hydrogen peroxide

When you use hydrogen peroxide as an oral rinse, make sure to dilute it with water, about a 50/50 mix. Also make sure the peroxide you are using is new, because it begins to loose it’s effectiveness after a couple months.

Flossing is a must

If it is your first time flossing your teeth, you may see traces of blood at first. This should go away after a week or two of consistent “gentle” flossing. If the traces of blood remain, make an appointment to see a dentist.

Use a toothpaste without sodium laurel sulfide

If you have been experiencing gum pain and discomfort for a while it could be caused by the additive in toothpaste called “Sodium Laurel Sulfate“. There are toothpastes on the market that do not have this ingredient. 

Taking care of your gums

If you are experiencing gum recession, begin using an ultra soft toothbrush as soon as possible. Also consider using a toothpaste for ‘sensitive’ teeth & gums; there are some expensive one’s available but the dollar store one is fine. Once you’ve done that, make an appointment with a periodontist for an examination. This is not something you want to put off any longer.

Dental Care Resources