One of the best things that you can do for your oral health is to adopt a solid, comprehensive oral health plan to protect your smile. Our O’Fallon dentists are here to help you craft a preventive and restorative dental care routine that meets all of your needs.
Here are some self-care and maintenance tips from our dental team. Try working these things into your regular oral hygiene routine for added health benefits.
1. Don’t skimp on flossing—seriously!
We know that it can seem like a hassle to make time to floss, but it really is crucial to your oral health. So many adult patients fall out of the habit of flossing. If you are one of them, then take this opportunity to start flossing once a day again! This will reduce plaque accumulation, lower your risk for cavities and gum disease, and freshen breath.
2. Consume enough water
Water consumption is an important issue, which many people do not realize is related to oral health. However, it is incredibly important that you stay hydrated, so that your body can make saliva. Saliva helps neutralize harmful bacteria in your mouth. Plus, consuming water helps to rinse away dental debris that leads to plaque development.
3. Pay attention to harmful habits
If you have adopted some poor dental habits, and many of us have, make a concerted effort to cut them out of your daily routine. Here are some examples:
· Chewing ice
· Chewing hard candies
· Biting your lips our the insides of your cheeks (especially likely to happen when you are stressed)
· Grinding your teeth (again related to stress)
· Chewing sugary gum
· Picking your teeth with metal or wooden instruments
Protect your smile for the long-term with help from our O’Fallon dentist office. Please call us for additional information or to schedule a consultation!