We have wonderful news if you have been sporadically neglecting your dental hygiene throughout the years and are now interested in increasing the frequency of your routine: You can achieve it! To get there, concentrate first on creating the new habit; after that is done, people usually follow activities on their initiative based on indications from their environment. Decide on reasonable objectives, attempt to complete them at the same time every day for ten weeks, and monitor your progress. It’s never too late to start over with these five easy healthy-mouth habits, regardless of your previous oral hygiene practices.
1. Brush First Thing
BEFORE BREAKFAST
Make it a routine to wash your teeth as soon as you wake up. In addition to giving you a clean mouth to start the day, brushing as soon as possible removes any bacteria that may have accumulated overnight, saving your coffee and breakfast from becoming stuck to sticky plaque.
HEALTHY MOUTH HABITS TIP: Rinse with mouthwash after breakfast to freshen up. Rinse with water if you have to; the idea is to just remove any remaining food bits.
2. Set a Timer
2 MINUTES
Many people brush frequently, yet they don’t brush for long enough to remove plaque from their teeth. To ensure you brush for the full suggested time, set a 2-minute timer for each brushing session.
HEALTHY MOUTH HABITS TIP: Turn brushing into an exciting activity by putting on music, watching the news, or listening to podcasts.
3. Scrape Your Tongue
TWICE PER DAY
Grab a tongue scraper after brushing. To gently scrape off plaque and bacteria that would otherwise end up on your teeth, use your tongue. Additionally, flossing every night will help you stay ahead of the bacteria game.
HEALTHY MOUTH HABITS TIP: Flossing and tongue scraping are two effective ways to prevent foul breath.
4. Avoid Soda
USE A STRAW
If you must consume sugary beverages like soda, consider using a straw to prevent the liquid from getting into your teeth. It is preferable to completely avoid sugar-filled beverages because they have been related to several health problems, from tooth decay to a higher risk of dying young.
HEALTHY MOUTH HABITS TIP: Store reusable metal straws in your car, at work, and in your utensil cabinet to make it easier to grab one when needed.
5. Crunch Those Veggies
FIND A FAVORITE
As part of a balanced diet, adults should have five to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables each day, according to the USDA’s dietary guidelines. Additionally, eating crunchy vegetables regularly can assist in maintaining oral health. Saliva is produced as a result of chewing and functions as a natural mouthwash.
HEALTHY MOUTH HABITS TIP: Include your favorite raw vegetable, like carrot sticks, in your regular snack rotation.
For comprehensive dental care, consider visiting the nearest dental office in Scottsdale, AZ. It’s important to note that Dr. Puneet Sandhu, your trusted dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, is readily available to help in case of any dental emergencies. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment for the care you need.
