Did you know your oral health can affect your overall wellness? Tooth decay and gum disease can increase your risk of various health issues, like infections, nutritional deficiencies, heart disease, and bone loss. Despite both dental problems being preventable, 92% of adults will experience cavities, and 50% of adults have a form of gum disease. Brushing and flossing are your first line of defense against common oral health issues. However, they aren’t effective if you forget to brush before bed or skip flossing altogether. Don’t worry, here are 5 tips to make good oral hygiene a daily habit.
1. Set an alarm on your phone.
If you tend to forget to brush your teeth before running out the door in the morning or just can’t seem to remember to floss every night, set a reminder on your phone. Create an alarm to go off twice daily to ensure you’re brushing and flossing enough.
2. Create a travel oral hygiene kit.
Life can get pretty busy, which means you might be on the go a lot. Your schedule doesn’t have to stand in the way of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Create an oral hygiene kit to keep in your car or at the office. It will make it easy to brush and floss regularly, even when you’re not at home.
3. Switch to an electric toothbrush.
The American Dental Association recommends bruising your teeth twice per day for 2 minutes, but many people don’t brush long enough. An electric toothbrush can help make up for your shortcomings because it provides more brush strokes per minute. Many electric models have specific features to improve your oral hygiene routine, like a pressure sensor or timer.
4. Opt for a waterflosser.
If flossing feels like a chore, a waterflosser will make you look forward to flossing. A gentle water stream cleans the most hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. It’s easy to use, comfortable, and effective.
5. Make it a family activity.
Your little one learns by example. Show your child the importance of good oral hygiene by making brushing and flossing a family event. You’ll also stick to your new habits for a healthier smile.
Don’t Forget to Visit Your Dentist
Brushing and flossing aren’t all your mouth needs to stay healthy. Schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist every 6 months. They’ll help you achieve optimal oral health to feel your best.
About Dr. Gabriel A. Nossa
Dr. Nossa earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. He continues his education regularly to offer the latest solutions in dentistry. If it’s time for a cleaning and checkup, request an appointment through his website or call his office at (352) 745-3765.