World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is March 20th, so now is a great time to brush up on oral hygiene tips! The FDI World Dental Federation started WOHD in 2013 to emphasize the importance of a healthy smile. Today is a great day to start Living Mouth Smart.
Living Mouth Smart
Below, you will find our 7 best practices for keeping your chompers at their healthiest.
1. Use Fluoride Safely
Fluoride exposure is important for the health of your pearly whites, particularly for young children. Taking in this mineral helps strengthen your enamel against acid attacks. Don’t overdo it though—too much fluoride can be dangerous. Your dentist will be able to answer any questions you have about fluoride and ensure that you and your child are getting an appropriate amount.
2. Instill Habits in Children Early
Kids are impressionable, and they’re developing behavior patterns now. You might as well use this to your advantage and ensure those habits are good ones! For tips on how to get kids on board with good dental health, check out our recent post for National Children’s Dental Health Month.
3. Brush Twice a Day and Floss Daily
Brushing and flossing is a simple and effective strategy for keeping your smile in optimal health. Flossing daily and brushing twice daily is a good goal, but adding in an extra brush after a meal that is particularly sugary or high in carbohydrates is even better.
4. Don’t Smoke
Everyone knows that smoking is harmful to your health, but did you know that smokers have a higher risk of mouth-related health complications? These include gum disease, bone loss, bad breath, oral cancer, and more.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet That’s Low in Sugary Foods
Bacteria thrive on sugar, so when you eat sugary foods and drink sugary drinks, you’re helping the enamel-eating bacteria to do serious damage on you smile. Do yourself a favor and keep sweets to a minimum, and if you must eat a sweet snack, brush those chompers afterwards.
6. Get Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental visits ensure that all the work you’re doing to protect your teeth is having a positive effect. Plus, even the world’s best brusher and flosser leaves plaque behind. Once plaque hardens into tartar, only a professional can clear it away.
7. Protect Teeth During Sports
Playing a sport? Play it safe with a mouthguard. If you’re participating in an activity that involves falls, flying equipment, or blows to the head, proper protection is a must.
A Healthy Smile for Life
We hope you keep these good habits going long past WOHD. This holiday comes once a year, but you should prioritize your dental health 365 days a year!