Taking care of your smile every morning and every night will go a long way toward safeguarding your oral health. But did you know that there are also steps you can take throughout the day to boost your oral hygiene? Keep reading to learn more from our O’Fallon dentists…
After lunch…
Try to build into your routine a quick post-lunch smile refresh break. This can be as simple as flossing away food debris and swishing some water around your mouth. The goal is to minimize the amount of time that oral bacteria have to feed on the sugars and acids you consume.
Every hour…
Make it a point to drink some water at regular intervals throughout the day. The more water you consume the more adequately your body can produce saliva and remineralize soft dental enamel. There is a reason that dry mouth sufferers experience increased rates of halitosis, periodontal disease, and dental cavities, so drink up!
Set a schedule…
It may seem strange to schedule your beverage consumption, but doing so can improve the appearance and health of your smile over time. The goal in most cases is to consume sugary and acidic drinks in specific sittings, rather than sipping all day long. Again, we are trying to minimize the number of hours that oral bacteria are able to be actively feeding and growing in your mouth.
There you have it! Dental care doesn’t have to be overly taxing or rigorous; some of it is just common sense. Our O’Fallon dentists are happy to provide you with more information and support—just give our office a call to get started!