It is safe to say that for most of our lives, we have heard that we must brush our teeth twice a day to achieve excellent oral health; however, oral hygiene in Orlando includes more than that.
While it is true that you need to brush your dentition with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, you should also include the following recommendations in your oral care routine:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – A hard-bristled toothbrush can damage your teeth even if you brush them gently. Our orthodontist in Orlando recommends brushing with a soft-bristled one.
Change your toothbrush regularly – The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends changing it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Floss – A toothbrush cannot reach the surface between teeth. Flossing is essential to clean 40% of your dentition.
Keep up with your dental checkups – Some people don’t schedule an appointment with a dental professional unless something is hurting. Pain is a sign that there is already a problem, and you should maintain your checkups even when you think everything is alright. It is the only way to detect early signs of an oral issue and keep dental problems away.
Extra care if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment – If you are looking for an orthodontist near you because you want to straighten your teeth, you must take extra care of them. Wearing braces increases your risk of periodontal disease and cavities; hence, applying all these recommendations will be vital for a successful treatment.
The recommendations given above will improve your oral hygiene. And if you find yourself searching on the Internet for “oral hygiene near you”, you can keep on reading because we will discuss another vital aspect of taking care of your dentition – the food.
Food provides you with the energy to perform your daily activities. It also provides your body with the nutrients to be healthy and develop correctly; however, some foods are dangerous to your teeth.
We will list the worst food for your dentition below.
1. Candy
If you were thinking of Candy, you were right. It is not a surprise that Candy is among these foods. We know that a sweet now and then keeps you satisfied; however, you must brush your teeth afterward. Candies contain sugars that stick to your teeth, and bacteria will react, producing the acids that wear your enamel away. The consequence is tooth decay, and we need to keep those away!
2. Acidic Fruits
Fruits are included in any healthy diet; nevertheless, consuming excessively acidic fruits and vegetables, such as lemons, oranges, and tomatoes, weakens your enamel.
Here is a tip for you – try combining them with more neutral foods to regulate the citric acid and avoid harming your teeth, and if you eat acidic foods, wait an hour before brushing your teeth, as brushing right after will erode even more your enamel.
3. Refined Starches
Some people think that only candies contain sugars, but it is a misconception. Starches break down and produce sugars that attract bacteria, resulting in tooth decay.
4. Hard Foods
Teeth are not indestructible, unlike what many people think. Chewing hard foods, such as nuts, corn, ice, may harm your teeth and even crack them. You may be lucky and suffer from a minor crack only, but you may get a vertical crack in a tooth after biting these foods, and these are irreparable, leading to tooth extraction.
5. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to a dry mouth, which is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Remember that saliva has cleaning properties, which is why it is vital to stay hydrated daily.