Healthy Habits

07 May Healthy Habits

Best Brushing Advice
You may be brushing your teeth regularly, but not often or long enough. For the best oral health, brush twice daily for two minutes. Be sure to choose a brush that isn’t too hard, as coarse bristles can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. A powered toothbrush can improve brushing results. Remember to replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every three months.

Get into Flossing
Flossing at least once a day is critical for maintaining good oral hygiene. Floss is great for getting into the nooks and crannies between teeth and gums — the very places that a toothbrush can’t reach. Removing tiny bits of food and plaque between teeth is a preventive measure you can take against decay and potentially more serious diseases down the road.

Keep the Sugar Intake in Check
It’s not hard to love sugar — it’s sweet and satisfying. It’s also one of the most dangerous foods for your teeth. The bacteria in plaque feed off the sugar you ingest and produce acids that damage your tooth enamel. Watch out for these sources of sugar: diet and regular sodas, sweetened coffee and tea, sports drinks and chewy, sticky treats like candy and dried fruit.

Watch What You Chew
Crunching on foods can have a satisfying feeling. Beware of chomping down on foods that are much too hard for your teeth, such as ice. Chewing on hard morsels can wreak havoc from breaking teeth to damaging enamel. Don’t forget to rinse and floss after a starchy, salty snack like chips. Leftover crumbs of starch are perfect fodder for plaque bacteria.