We all know that brushing regularly and seeing the dentist a couple times of year are critical to maintaining your oral health. But did you know there’s some subtler things you can do to keep your teeth and gums happy?
Be thoughtful about when you brush
Acidic foods and drinks temporarily soften the enamel of your teeth. So if you brush your teeth immediately after, say, drinking a glass of orange juice, you could end up removing some of the enamel from your teeth. And that could, over time, make your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.
So, after eating or drinking something with a low pH, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Use soft-bristled toothbrushes
You probably know you’re supposed to change your toothbrush every few months. But if the bristles on your brush are hard, you should change it now.
It’s true that medium or firm-bristled toothbrushes can leave your teeth feeling cleaner. But they’re abrasive, and they can damage your teeth over time.
Start brushing in the back
Most people do a decent job of brushing the front of their teeth. The back of your teeth? That’s another story. Bradford dentists in the Ontario area at River Edge Dental find that many people skimp on brushing their teeth.
The solution they suggest? Start your brushing routine by brushing in the back first. That can get you into the habit of brushing those more-difficult-to-reach places.
Add mouthwash
Mouthwash should not be considered an extra, optional part of your oral hygiene routine. Twice a day brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash should be your everyday routine because mouthwash helps to kill more oral bacteria and fight plaque than brushing and flossing alone.
Take a selfie
OK, this definitely is going to sound a little kooky, but research has found that filming your toothbrushing sessions can help you improve your technique. A study published by the Indian Journal of Dental Research showed that after people recorded themselves brushing their teeth and reviewing the video they improved their accuracy and number of brush strokes.
Eat foods that whiten your teeth
Did you know, some foods can actually whiten your teeth?
Celery, cucumbers, apples, pears, carrots and lettuce all help scrub your teeth and remove plaque. They’re also crunchy and require more chewing time, which stimulates saliva, and saliva neutralizes acids that erode your teeth.
Plus all those foods are good for you!
Wash your toothbrush holder
Bet you never considered this: Your toothbrush holder can contain germs. A lot of them. In fact, a study by the National Sanitation Foundation found that toothbrush holders are the third germiest item in your house.
So, stick your toothbrush holder in the dishwasher or wash it in hot, soapy water, once or twice a week.
