With National Dentist’s Day fast approaching (March. 6th), this is the perfect time to brush up – pun intended – on some of the oral health basics. And we here at Yankee Valley Dental want to assist you with that outcome. Improvement begins with tiny adjustments, little habits practiced day in and day out. 

And as your trusted Airdrie dental clinic, we have compiled a small list of those healthy oral habits just for you! In lieu of National Dentist’s Day, here are 5 best practices to ensure your oral health. 

1. Brushing Twice a Day

As one of the main ways to ensure a healthy mouth, brushing is the ideal habit everyone needs in their dental hygiene routine. Twice a day – once in the morning and again before bed – is the ideal amount. This practice will remove bacteria and plaque buildup and allow for a cleaner and fresher mouth. 

Try to avoid using back and forth motions when brushing. Instead, opt for the gentle, circular approach. Softly brush using a circular motion on each tooth; brushing the front and back of your teeth evenly. 

This is the ideal method for ensuring your teeth are clean and sparkly just in time for National Dentist’s Day.

2. Floss Daily

Another common sense oral hygiene habit is flossing. This should be done every night prior to going to bed. Why? Flossing allows you to catch the food remnants that brushing alone couldn’t reach. Without the assistance of flossing, the plaque would accumulate at your gum line; resulting in inflammation which could then lead to gingivitis and even tooth decay. 

Moreover, abstaining from flossing can also cause a whole host of complications that can compromise not only your oral health but your overall health as well. This National Dentist’s Day, you can make your dentist proud and happy by making flossing a priority in your life. 

3. Kick the Bad Oral Habits

We all have our vices. However, if these poor habits are compromising your health – you gotta ask yourself, is it worth it? With a little bit of intelligence, we can all agree that the answer will be no. So let’s try to kick those bad oral habits to the curb this National Dentist’s Day. 

Behaviours such as overconsumption of processed or sugary foods, softs drinks and sodas, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc. All of these habits are absolutely terrible for your dental health and should be completely eliminated or drastically reduced (preferably the former).

Yes, old habits die hard. But think how amazing you’ll feel once you have that monkey off your back – and as a result – can enjoy the dental health that is rightfully yours! 

4. Consume More Water

Ah, the good ol’ H2O; we need it to live, to love… And for dental hygiene? As it turns out, yes! The human body is 60% water. Our lungs, heart, brain, and everything in between needs a steady supply of daily water consumption to function properly. 

And guess what… Our oral health is no different! By consuming enough water daily, you are helping to rid your mouth of germs and bacteria while also replenishing your system. Two birds with one stone. 

5. Try Mouthwash

Mouthwashes can be beneficial to your dental health. When used in conjunction (and not as a supplement) with brushing and flossing, mouthwash can have a lot of oral health advantages. Some of which include:

  • Elimination of bacteria
  • Clearing of canker sores
  • Freshening of breath
  • Cavity prevention
  • Reduces plaque formation

Furthermore, it’s important to note that to experience these benefits, you want to opt for mouthwashes with essential oils. Studies show that these are the most effective in producing the most favourable results. 

Final Thoughts

National Dentist’s Day is an opportunity to take up the dental hygiene habits that will perpetuate your oral health. As such, you can begin building a lot of positive momentum with your dental health. Why not start with a visit to your dentist to ensure you’re on the right track. Contact us today to book your appointment.