Resolutions for Optimal Oral Hygiene
Even though we’re well into 2022, the best resolutions aren’t always the ones we make on January 1st! Healthy teeth in a healthy body; if you’ve set a goal to take care of yourself, think about your oral hygiene.
For a healthy smile that will last for years to come, the Clinic of Dr. Normand Bach, your orthodontist in Montreal, helps you make the right resolutions.
- Start orthodontic treatment
Yes, orthodontics contributes to better oral hygiene! As the Canadian Dental Association states:
“Orthodontic treatment not only beautifies the smile,
it also promotes health, as aligned teeth are easier to brush
and therefore less prone to cavities and injuries.”
In fact, misaligned teeth create tight spaces that promote tartar build-up. Tartar is the main cause of cavities, but also of gum diseases.
Whatever your age, starting orthodontic treatment will change your dental hygiene for the better. Plus, you’ll give yourself the smile you’ve always wanted.
- Brush your teeth twice a day
Cleaning your teeth is an essential habit to keep them healthy. The recommended frequency is now 2 times a day, for 2 minutes, including once before bedtime. Brushing your teeth removes plaque, a fine food particle mixed with bacteria in your mouth. If not removed, it becomes tartar, a hardened form that can only be removed by the dentist’s appliances.
It is important to follow good brushing technique and to use a proper toothbrush and toothpaste. Do you have traditional braces? Follow our tips for optimal oral hygiene.
- Floss your teeth
You already brush your teeth twice a day, but you haven’t yet made flossing a habit? Now’s the time to start flossing: if residue remains between your teeth, the consequences are the same as if you didn’t brush. In addition to regular flossing, your orthodontist may suggest a threader segment or a small brush.
- Adopt healthy eating habits
You may have heard it repeatedly when you were young: sugary foods promote cavities. That’s because sugars in your mouth turn into acids that destroy enamel. So, eat these foods and drinks in moderation. Also, focus on foods rich in nutrients such as calcium and fluoride, for example:
- Dairy products
- Green vegetables
- Fish
- Nuts
- Legumes
The added benefit is that these foods are great for your overall health: kill two birds with one stone!
- And healthy lifestyle habits
As you know, smoking is not only an enemy of your body, but also of your teeth. It makes them yellow, gives stains, causes dental and gum diseases and has other consequences. Quitting smoking is not easy, and we understand, but there are specialists who can help you.
If you’ve made a resolution to move more, keep that resolution too! Your general health and your dental health are interrelated, and we can only recommend that you lead an active lifestyle. If you consume energy drinks or bars, remember to rinse your mouth to remove the sugars.
- Stay hydrated
Whether you’re playing sports or going about your daily life, drinking water provides a number of benefits. Not only does it helps you keep your mouth cleaner, but it also keeps your body tissues hydrated to avoid injury. This is even more important if you wear braces!
- Don’t forget your dentist
Even if you have regular orthodontic care, it doesn’t mean you can space out your dental visits any further! Orthodontics and dentistry are two complementary fields.
The examinations and cleanings performed by hygienists and dentists are essential to remove tartar and detect the appearance of a problem early. Follow the recommended frequency for your situation; for example, people with diseases such as diabetes should visit more often.
At Dr. Normand Bach’s Clinic, we help you maintain good dental hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment. Do you have any questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to let us know!
