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Prioritising your oral health remains a significant part of this time of the year. The holidays are a great opportunity to reassess your dental hygiene and improve your routine. Read on to find out what the seven best practices for your teeth are this holiday season.

Brush Your Teeth Before Bed

The general recommendation for keeping your teeth healthy is to brush your teeth twice daily. It’s crucial to avoid going to bed without brushing your teeth. It’s common to neglect maintaining a healthy oral routine when in holiday mode.

However, you should keep your teeth clean regularly to avoid dental concerns like gum infections and tooth decay. It also eliminates germs and plaque that can build up throughout the day. Take your time when brushing your teeth and gently remove plaque in harder-to-reach parts of your mouth.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

The type of toothpaste you use can affect your oral health. Cavities are the leading cause of tooth decay due to the many bacteria in your mouth. While some can be beneficial, others are harmful when you don’t maintain regular oral hygiene.

Fluoride toothpaste plays a crucial role in strengthening your tooth enamel. This helps to protect your teeth against tooth decay and the production of harmful bacteria.

Floss Regularly

Brushing your teeth isn’t enough to remove the bad-breath-causing bacteria. Sometimes, there’s plaque that builds up below your gum line. Your toothbrush alone cannot reach certain spots in your mouth.

Flossing helps remove plaque that your toothbrush cannot. This can help reduce the risk of cavities and inflammation in your gums. Daily flossing after brushing teeth can improve gum health and prevent related gum disease.

Consider Mouthwash

Mouthwash can be a beneficial addition to your regular oral routine. The right kind of mouthwash can help reduce acid in your mouth and clean in and around your gums. Most importantly, it can remineralise your teeth to bring balance with essential minerals recommended for healthy teeth.

You are not alone if you’re uncertain about how mouthwash works. Speak to your dentist about ideal mouthwash recommendations. In some cases, if you have sensitive teeth, you may require prescribed mouthwash.

Stay Hydrated

Water is always essential to maintaining your health, including your oral health. Experts suggest that you should drink water after every meal. It can help wash away any leftover food particles that can lead to excessive bacteria buildup.

Consuming the recommended daily water intake can also help prevent dry mouth, leading to bad breath and gum infections. Another reason to consider increasing water consumption is that it improves your saliva production. Saliva reduces the risk of harmful bacteria in your mouth by removing unwanted sugar and food particles after meals.

Eat a Balanced Diet

It’s normal for you to eat more fast foods around this time of the year. Not only is it convenient, but ready-to-eat foods can sometimes taste better when you’re on holiday. However, this might not be the best choice for your teeth.

The added sugar and salt in fast food is the primary reason it’s not good for you. It can cause cavities and tooth decay. Eating fruits and vegetables high in fibre can help keep your teeth healthy and clean, which is an excellent defence against infections that can lead to oral diseases.

Visit Your Dentist

Lastly, one of the best practices for excellent dental hygiene during the festive season is to visit your dentist. While daily habits are crucial to improving your overall dental health, you should see your dentist twice a year. Before you wind up the year, schedule a checkup or cleaning appointment.

Your dentist can detect potential oral concerns. They can also recommend suitable treatment solutions. If you haven’t seen your dentist for your second visit, now is a good time to do so.

In summary, maintaining your oral health should become a habit. A practical guide to the best habits for your teeth this holiday season can help you stick to your oral routine. If you want to schedule a dental checkup, your Affinity Dental plan allows you to find a network dentist nearest to you.