You need to know the basics of at-home dental hygiene

If you brush several times daily, that’s great. And if you floss daily, that’s even better. However, when it comes to routine mouth care, there are some important dos and don’ts that you should try to keep in mind. Here are three rules to follow.

1. Brush your teeth in the morning, even before you’ve had a meal. This removes the overnight buildup of harmful plaque.
2. Be careful about over-brushing or brushing too hard. Twice a day is usually enough, ideally with a soft or medium bristle brush; more than that can cause gum damage.
3. Don’t use a brush for more than three months at a time. Worn-out bristles are less effective and may even host damaging bacteria.

What you eat matters more than you may realize

Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth, but it isn’t the only culprit when it comes to foods that endanger dental health. Understanding healthy eating means knowing which eating habits can lead to tooth decay or other issues, so keep in mind these four guidelines.

1. Carbohydrates turn to sugars due to enzymes in saliva, so eating too many carbs can have the same effect as eating too many sweets.
2. Eating too frequently can also be hard on your teeth.
3. Acidic beverages such as citrus juices and carbonated sodas can erode tooth enamel, so partake in moderation!
4. Be careful about chewing on hard substances such as ice cubes, which can chip enamel and even break teeth.

Crooked or misaligned teeth are not just an aesthetic issue

Given that aligning crooked teeth is an elaborate and pricey process, many people may wonder if it’s worth it. While some procedures may be primarily for appearance, many alignments and other orthodontic problems can become detrimental to dental and overall health. 

1. Crooked teeth can be a health risk because they are harder to clean. Bacteria can be trapped in those hard-to-reach spaces, and plaque buildup can bring on decay.
2. While overbite is usually just a cosmetic concern, severe cases can induce pain and speaking problems. Especially serious cases of overbite may merit corrective surgery. However, if your overbite is minor, you can correct this problem using different at-home alignment treatments such as NewSmile, which are affordable and simple to use without the need to visit a dentist’s office.
3. Misaligned teeth may grind or press against each other more than they should. This can lead to cracked or even broken teeth. Additionally, misaligned teeth are often uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat certain foods.

Talk to your dentist or orthodontist if you have any concerns about these oral health care issues and see what kind of options are available to you.