If you’re a busy person, the last thing you’re probably thinking of is your dental hygiene. Maybe you give your teeth a quick scrubbing, but you likely don’t brush for two whole minutes like your dentist in Medford recommends. Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you should neglect your oral health. Here are 5 quick and easy tips to fit your lifestyle.
1. Find the Right Toothbrush
Taking care of your oral health starts with finding the right tools, such as your toothbrush. The ideal brush should have a small head that can easily clean the nooks and crannies of all your teeth, especially the molars in the back of your mouth. Also, make sure your brush has medium or soft bristles. Using a hard-bristled brush can actually wear down your enamel and leave you more susceptible to sensitivity.
2. Try an Alternative to Floss
When we get busy, flossing is usually one of the first habits to fall by the wayside. However, not flossing can lead to more expensive problems down the road, like treatment for gum disease. If regular floss just doesn’t cut it for you, try out a water flosser, floss picks, or an interdental brush to remove plaque and bits of food from between your teeth.
3. Don’t Neglect to Clean Your Tongue
Even after you brush and floss, there are still bacteria on your tongue. Letting them build up there can cause seriously bad breath. Next time you brush your teeth, give your tongue a quick cleaning as well. If you really want to go the extra mile, buy a tongue scraper to remove all that bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
4. Wait an Hour
You’ve probably heard that you should brush immediately after you eat, but that’s actually not such a great idea. Why? If the food or drink you just consumed is acidic, it temporarily softens your enamel. The abrasiveness of brushing could cause more harm than good. After you eat, wait at least an hour to brush to give your saliva time to neutralize the acids in your food.
5. Get Your Six-Month Cleaning
How does scheduling an extra appointment with your dentist save you time? Think of it as an investment into your future “time bank.” By getting your teeth cleaned and checked twice a year, you’re preventing major plaque and tartar buildup from causing problems like gum disease and cavities. Issues like that require more costly and time-consuming treatment. So, you’re saving not only time, but money as well.
No matter how busy you are, it’s crucial to take care of your oral health. Follow these tips to stay on top of your dental hygiene no matter how busy you are.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino achieved his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1985. A few years later, he opened his private practice in Medford, MA and never looked back. Since then, he has been providing quality, personalized care to every patient who walks through his doors. For more quick dental tips, contact Dr. Giamberardino via his website or by calling (781) 396-3800.