1) BRUSH REGULARLY
Brushing regularly works wonders for your smile and dental health. The sugar content in many types of food is likely to attack tooth enamel within the first 20 minutes following intake. The key is to remove food debris by brushing so that they do not linger in your mouth long enough to develop into plaque or worse, harden into calculus.
2) FLOSS DAILY
Brushing your teeth may not completely remove food debris trapped between your teeth. Flossing is the best way to prevent the plaque that causes gum disease from building up in the crevices between your teeth and gums
3)USE FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE
One of the main reasons behind fluoride being added to drinking water – something that has been done since the 1930s – is because the chemical compound helps to reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities. The same is true of toothpaste with fluoride content. Using fluoridated toothpaste for your regular brushing can help to prevent tooth decay and remineralise areas where decay is developing.
4) REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH PERIODICALLY
Toothbrushes aren’t meant to last forever, and they do collect germs and get worn out over time. To get the most out of your daily brushing, make sure you’re swapping out your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if you notice that the bristles are starting to fray. It’s also a good idea to invest in a new brush after you’ve been sick so you don’t continue spreading germs around.
5) WATCH WHAT YOU EAT OR DRINK
Good nutrition not only benefits your general health but also improves the wellbeing of your teeth and gums. Eating foods that nourish your teeth and gums is just as important as brushing and flossing. Load up on nutrient-dense whole fruits and veggies, and cut back on added sugars and carbs, as those types of food amp up bacteria production in the mouth. The same goes for sugary sodas and juices.
6) DO NOT OVERSTRESS YOUR TEETH
While your teeth may be tough, they are not built to withstand extreme usage. Using your teeth to crack nutshells, open bottle caps or chewing ice are examples of misuse that will overstress and damage your teeth in the long run. Overstressing your teeth may even chip or break them in the process.
7) VISIT YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY
You should visit your dentist for regular checks and cleans. Routine dental examinations and cleaning sessions make an important safeguard against the development or escalation of oral issues. It is recommended that you visit your dentist for a check-up twice a year.
8) SMILE MORE AND SMILE AT OTHERS
Feeling down? Stressed out at work? Feeling pressure at school? Smiling more, even if you have to try, has been shown to improve mood and decrease stress. Smiling also elevates those around you, and seeing people smile back at you can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. If you aren’t confident in your smile, try to embrace your smile as your self-improvement this September. If you are really unhappy with your smile and feel that it’s time to make a change, contact our dental clinic to learn more about some of the restorative options we offer. We, now also offer free smile consultation
We hope you feel inspired to improve yourself this September, and have a good Self-Improvement Month! If you are interested in learning more, we’d love to meet you and help you improve your oral health, so please feel free to please call (02) 8806 0790 or contact us online.