Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
It’s no secret that a healthy lifestyle helps reduce your risks of illnesses and diseases, but did you know that oral hygiene should also be part of a healthy lifestyle? Oral hygiene is an important part of your overall health and wellness. Studies link poor oral health to an increased risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. But with a daily oral hygiene regimen, you could help protect your mouth and your body. Today on the blog, our family dentist in Royal Oak, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, shares four oral hygiene rituals that you can’t live without.
Brushing twice a day for two minutes each session
Brushing your teeth is the best way to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth that could otherwise cause cavities or gum disease. But if you aren’t brushing your teeth often enough or for long enough at each session, then you leave yourself at risk of oral diseases and even tooth loss, eventually. Therefore, be sure that you brush your teeth twice a day and for at least two minutes each time. Two minutes is longer than you think. Most people probably only brush for about 30 seconds. To be sure you’re brushing long enough, set a timer to ensure you brush your teeth for a full two minutes. And always brush your teeth before bed to remove food, bacteria, and sugar so that these substances don’t linger and become destructive while you sleep.
Flossing your teeth daily
It’s true that many adults and children do not floss their teeth ever or hardly at all. Unfortunately, if you skip flossing, you could be at risk of developing oral diseases that lead to pain or tooth loss. It is recommended that you floss your teeth every day before bed. Flossing cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Not only will you experience improved breath, but flossing also lowers your risk of gum disease, the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S.
Rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash
Mouthwash does not take the place of regular brushing and flossing but adding it to your nightly oral hygiene routine has its benefits. It’s a common misconception that mouthwash should burn and sting. And that the worse the burn, the better the job the solution is doing at protecting your oral health. Thankfully, that is a false claim. In fact, you can opt for alcohol-free mouth rinses that produce the same results as mouthwash that contain alcohol, except without the burn. Some studies found that alcohol-based mouthwashes disturb the oral microbiome, which could increase the risk of oral diseases, and certain types of oral cancer. Therefore, opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to be on the safe side and still reap the oral health benefits of fresher breath and healthier teeth.
See your Royal Oak dentist twice a year
Twice-yearly dental cleanings and checkups are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. During your dental cleanings, the hygienist removes stuck-on tartar buildup that could lead to gum infections and cavities if ignored. These cleanings also remove stains from your teeth. The dentist conducts a thorough examination of your oral health, noting any changes that need to be addressed as soon as they appear before costly repairs are needed.
Family Dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan
Dr. Hartrick offers family dental care to patients of all ages. We believe that at-home oral hygiene and routine dental checkups and cleanings are the cornerstone of healthy teeth and gums. If you are ready to schedule an appointment, please contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950. But we encourage you to adopt these four oral hygiene rituals to maintain good oral health throughout your life.