Dr. Updike, an Irvine orthodontist, shares 5 daily habits to improve dental health whether you have braces or not! Oral hygiene should not be overlooked as there are many benefits to maintaining dental health such as decreased tooth decay, minimizing cavities and gum disease.
1. Proper Brushing
Whether or not you currently have braces or will be preparing for orthodontic treatment, proper brushing is crucial. We recommend:
2. Floss
While many tend to skip this step, it is important to floss daily! We recommend flossing in a U motion between teeth to remove any plaque buildup and food that may be stuck.
3. Fluoride Products
Incorporating fluoride into your dental care makes a huge difference. Fluoride is known to decrease tooth decay by slowing down the breakdown of the enamel. It also increases the process of the remineralization process to strengthen your teeth. The most common products that contain fluoride are toothpaste and mouthwash.
4. Eat Healthy
Striving to add healthier options into your diet not only helps your body, but also your teeth. Fresh fruits such as apples are typically crunchy and helps remove any build up from your teeth and also strengthen your jaw. Nutrients found in raw vegetables and fruit could also protect your gums and prevent cell damage as well.
5. Drink Water
Your doctor may recommend drinking about 6 glasses of water a day, but did you know there are also positive effects on your teeth as well? Whether you are drinking a sugary drink or finishing a meal, drinking water flushes the excess sugars and food particles from building up on your teeth. We recommend always drinking water when eating, drinking coffee or soda, and snacking.
Implement these simple 5 steps into your daily life and the results will be rewarding in the short and long term. If you have any additional questions or are ready to book a consultation for orthodontic treatment, give our office a call at (949) 870-9713.
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