Teeth

When it comes to maintaining the health and appearance of your teeth, visiting the dentist for regular cleanings is important. However, there are other steps you can take in between visits, and most only require small changes. In addition to making your teeth look whiter and brighter, these changes will also help you fight against cavities and other problems. Here are a few steps to take improve your overall oral hygiene.

Upgrade Your Toothbrush

A typical toothbrush will do a reasonable job of removing plaque and keeping your gums healthy. However, studies have consistently shown that using a better toothbrush can have a dramatic effect. In particular, switching to an electric toothbrush can help you reach places that are difficult to access with a standard toothbrush. In addition, electric toothbrushes are easier to use properly, ensuring a better cleaning. Electric toothbrushes are available at a wide range of price points, and they’re typically easy to maintain.

Try Vaping

Smoking has a severe impact on oral health, and it can lead to tooth and gum problems in addition to making your teeth yellow or stained. Vaping, on the other hand, produces no smoke, so it leads to less chemical residue collecting on your teeth. In particular, vaping produces no tar, helping you avoid discoloration. Furthermore, many former smokers find the switch to vaping to be enjoyable. Considering the many great ejuice deals available and comparing the cost to cartons of cigarettes, you can even save a significant amount of money over time. For those who struggle with yellow teeth, moving away from smoking can lead to dramatic improvement.

Flossing

Most of us have probably been lectured by a dentist that flossing is one of the best ways to make teeth look better. However, many people who brush their teeth regularly still fail to floss as often as they should. Although flossing can be a bit uncomfortable at first, it’s essential for cleaning parts of the teeth that are not reachable with a toothbrush. Furthermore, flossing strengthens the gums, helping to fight against gingivitis. A bit of bleeding while flossing can be expected at first, but keeping up the habit will lead to results quickly. Many dentists even recommend flossing while watching television or while at the computer; there’s no need to floss immediately after pushing your teeth.

Change Your Brushing Schedule

We often get in the habit of brushing in the morning and immediately before going to bed. However, many experts recommend brushing about an hour after meals. Acidic liquids and sugars collect on the teeth, and they can erode enamel and cause or worsen cavities during the time between eating a meal and brushing. Consider getting in the habit of brushing an hour after breakfast and after dinner; a light brushing after lunch may be beneficial as well. Frequent brushing is always recommended, but changing when you brush can have a significant impact as well.

Oral hygiene is one of the most important ways to control your health. However, people often fall into bad habits or fail to maintain a proper schedule. Make keeping your teeth clean a priority, and feel free to ask your dentist or oral hygienist if you have any questions. A few switches can help ensure you’re doing all you can to maintain your oral health and enjoy having a bright and attractive smile.