How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Caring for your gums and teeth is important both for your oral hygiene and your overall health! Here, our Saskatoon dentists share 10 tips you should keep in mind for maintaining your smile's health for years to come.

1. Brush twice a day.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Ideally, you should brush when you wake up each morning and before you go to bed each night.

2. Floss once a day.

Flossing removes debris from between your teeth that your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing your teeth every night minimizes the risk of tooth decay between your teeth, and keeps your gums healthy.

3. Visit the dentist regularly.

You should plan to visit your dentist for a hygiene cleaning and oral exams at least twice a year, every six months. These appointments give your teeth a professional deep cleaning and allow your dentist to identify and treat any issues that may be developing.

4. Eat a healthy diet.

Eating healthy is a great thing for your entire body. And that includes your teeth! Diets that are rich in calcium and low in sugars will help to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Foods that are beneficial for your overall health can include leafy greens, almonds, yogurt, cheese and carrots.

5. Avoid sugary drinks.

Drinking sugary beverages, like pop, on a regular basis can increase your risk of cavities. Instead, drink primarily water or milk, and try leaving sugary drinks for occasional treats.

6. Stay hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water can help prevent cavities. By keeping hydrated, you will maintain a flow of saliva which washes away food particles that collect on your teeth. These particles allow bacteria to grow.

7. Add mouthwash to your routine.

Rinsing out your mouth suing mouthwash can be an excellent addition to your daily brushing and flossing routine. This can help to kill bacteria in your mouth that may be causing issues like cavities or gum disease.

8. Replace your toothbrush regularly.

You should change your toothbrush at least once every six months. You may consider replacing it sooner if the bristles have become stiff, or if you have recently fought off a cough or flu.

9. Don’t smoke.

One of the best things that you can do for your oral health is to quite smoking. Not only does this practice stain your teeth, it can also significantly increase your risk of oral cancer or gum disease.

10. Examine your mouth at home.

Try to check our the inside of your mouth routinely. If you notice anything looking out of the ordinary like lumps, bumps or unhealed sores, make an appointment to get checked out by your dentist.