Most people probably don’t set a reminder to let them know when to switch out their toothbrush or take the time to thoroughly clean their tongue after brushing and flossing. However, these small steps are just as important as visiting the dentist when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile! Read on to learn four commonly skipped oral hygiene practices that you should be sure to incorporate back into your routine.
Properly Store & Regularly Replace Your Toothbrush
Did you know that it matters where you store your toothbrush? The bathroom is one of the germiest areas of your house, so making sure that your toothbrush head is covered is important! In fact, when you flush your toilet, it’s likely that fecal coliform bacteria is being released into the air of your bathroom. Consider investing in a toothbrush cover to keep these germs from transferring to your mouth!
Along the same lines, it’s crucial to replace your toothbrush head if you have an electric toothbrush, or your entire toothbrush if you don’t, every six months. This will keep it fresh, clean, and prevent fraying bristles that could damage your gums.
Eat a Balanced Diet to Reduce Cavity Risk
The foods that you eat every day can also impact your oral health, although you may not be thinking about that whenever you dip into your snack cabinet! Every now and then, try to incorporate foods that are fresh and healthy for your smile as an alternative for those that are high in carbohydrates. For example, switch out potato chips, licorice, or cookies for fresh strawberries, celery and peanut butter, or other vegetables and fruits every once in a while!
Floss Daily & Clean Your Tongue
If you regularly skip flossing your teeth, you’re not alone! However, that doesn’t mean you should keep doing it. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to prevent cavities from forming due to built-up debris between your teeth. It’s also important to thoroughly clean your tongue after every time you brush your teeth to remove debris and bacteria that has settled on its surface. This will also keep your breath smelling fresh!
Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Dental Cleaning & Exam
Visiting your dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a professional dental cleaning and examination can be the difference between you being in pain and not. During these visits, your oral healthcare team will ensure that any small issues (like cavities or the early signs of gum disease) are treated as soon as possible. This will prevent them from progressing and causing even bigger issues, as well as oral pain, down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years and is passionate about helping his patients maintain healthy, whole, and radiant smiles through high-quality dentistry and impactful education. He’s happy to serve patients of all ages, from providing children with a comfortable and fun place to learn more about their smiles to providing necessary services for adults who are looking to preserve their natural smiles for life. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.