4 oral hygiene tips from Dr. Michael Boisson, your friendly dentist in the Peace

Spring has sprung! Don’t forget to add your teeth to the list of things that need a spring cleaning! Contact our Grande Prairie dental clinic to book an appointment for a cleaning and exam. Read on to learn more about how you can keep your teeth healthy in between visits.

The importance of good oral hygiene

It can be easy to neglect your oral health from time to time. We’ve all had the experience of getting home late and being too exhausted to even think about brushing or flossing. But each time you flop into bed without properly cleaning your teeth you put yourself at a greater risk for cavities and gum disease. Rinsing with mouthwash doesn’t count as cleaning, ether. In fact, many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can dry your mouth out overtime.

Choose the right products

Make sure you use a soft bristle brush. Many patients mistakenly believe that a coarser brush will deliver a more thorough cleaning. However, scrubbing too hard with too coarse of a brush will only serve to irritate your gums and may even damage your enamel. Stick with a soft or extra soft brush and be gentle as you brush. Use a fluoridated toothpaste each time you brush. In fact, when you brush your teeth before bed you can skip rinsing your mouth. By doing so a little fluoride will be left on your teeth for overnight protection. Just about any floss will do if used properly, but many of our Grande Prairie patients find that waxed floss glides between their teeth more comfortably. Also, don’t forget to clean your tongue- plaque and bacteria can cling onto the tongue and can get transferred back on to freshly cleaned teeth. Many toothbrushes come with a built in tongue cleaner.

Out with the bad, in with the good

Limit your intake of alcohol as well as sugary and acidic foods and beverages. While you’re doing your spring cleaning, you may want to rid your cupboards of junk food so you won’t be tempted to indulge. Fill your diet with low fat dairy, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables- all of which contain vitamins and minerals that contribute to strong, healthy teeth and gums.

Find time to relax

Stress can contribute to clench and grinding your teeth, which can lead to damaged teeth and jaw pain. During times of stress it’s easy to neglect your oral health as well. Frequent TMJ pain could be an indicator of misalignment. Our Grande Prairie Dentist, Dr. Michael Boisson, is trained in neuromuscular dentistry,  which is a dental specialty that focuses on eases chronic pain by bringing the teeth and jaw into alignment.

By following a few simple steps and maintaining regular dental visits you can keep your mouth clean and healthy for years to come.