Some people enjoy their semi-annual visits to the dentist, while others downright dread everything about being in the dentist's chair. Regardless of one's feelings about the dentist, there is always that fear of being told you have a cavity, need a root canal, or have gum disease. With healthy teeth and gums being vital to humans' overall health, it is critical that people boost their dental hygiene. Keep reading for five habits to incorporate into your daily hygiene regimen that will ensure consistent checks of approval at your dental services visits. 

Trade your ordinary toothbrush in for an electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads are more effective in removing plaque and getting in between teeth than their traditional counterparts. They are also beneficial in making sure the right amount of pressure is being applied while brushing. It's easy to press down too hard with a regular toothbrush, which may break down enamel over time causing tooth sensitivity and yellowing teeth. An electric toothbrush may improve gum health as well. The gentle circulation massages the gum line, increasing blood flow. Overtime, this act alone may reverse any signs of gingivitis, decrease bleeding while brushing, and result in healthier colored gums. 

Invest in a water flosser

Flossing is a daily habit that is time consuming and hard to stick to in busy schedules, but is so important to dental health. Water flossers may make it easier to stick to a regular flossing routine. Using a stream of water to remove particles of food and plaque from between teeth, a water flosser cuts the amount of time it takes to floss in half and makes those hard to reach places at the back of the mouth easier to clean. 

Consider oil pulling 

Swishing with coconut oil has been touted as a magic elixir for treating all of the body's ailments. While there's not necessarily enough proof that it can be a cure-all, there are some studies that suggest it can be beneficial in removing toxins from the mouth.

Gargle with Hydrogen Peroxide

While hydrogen peroxide is a household item that many use to clean with, it's not often thought of as a mouthwash. But a majority of commercially sold mouthwashes contain peroxide and are much more expensive than a basic bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide. At least once per day, dilute a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with water and gargle for 30 seconds as you would with regular mouthwash. This releases oxygen that actively disinfects your mouth and may have some bonus tooth whitening benefits. It's important not to swallow the hydrogen peroxide though, so avoid using a hydrogen peroxide gargle with young children who don't have good control over swallowing yet. 

Chew gum after every meal

Chewing gum after a meal can help remove sugars, eliminate food bits, and freshen breath. But it is important to choose a sugar-free brand, preferably one with Xylitol, which may have added teeth benefits. It's important to remember that gum chewing can cause jaw pain, so only chew long enough to rid the nooks and crannies of food and sugar remnants.

Healthy teeth and gums are an important part of human beings overall health and high quality of life. Deteriorating gums, plaque build up, and decaying teeth can contribute to pain and even disease. While humans are a busy species, it is vital for long term health that you take the time to have a regular oral hygiene routine, twice a day. Even incorporating one or two of the above habits can make drastic improvements to your oral health. Your dentist visits will be quicker, cheaper, and hopefully less daunting.

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