When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, men often pay less attention to the “dos and don’ts” than women. Unfortunately, this neglect can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease—all of which can spell disaster for your smile.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to start taking your oral hygiene habits seriously. Here are some of the top “dos and don’ts” of men’s oral hygiene:
Dos
1. Brush Twice a Day: Good brushing habits are key to good oral hygiene, and so it’s important to make sure you brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. When brushing, make sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth, including the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces. Also, make sure to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes.
When brushing, make sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth, including the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces.
2. Floss Regularly: Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to oral hygiene, and so it’s important to make sure you floss regularly. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and from below the gum line. Be sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth and gently guide it between the teeth.
Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and from below the gum line.
3. Use Mouthwash: Mouthwash is a great way to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, and can help freshen your breath. It can also help to reduce the amount of acid in your mouth which can help to prevent cavities.
4. Visit the Dentist Regularly: It’s important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. During your visit, your dentist will be able to check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease and can give your teeth a thorough cleaning.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Struggle with the Brush: Oftentimes men struggle to get the right angle when brushing. When this happens, you’re at risk of pushing the plaque into the gum line, which can cause irritation. To avoid this, make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and you’re brushing in gentle back-and-forth motions.
2. Don’t Smoke: Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. The nicotine in cigarettes and other types of tobacco can lead to yellow teeth, bad breath, and an increased risk of gum disease. If you do smoke, it’s best to quit as soon as possible.
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health.
3. Don’t Eat Too Many Sweets: Eating too many sweets can cause an increase in acid levels in your mouth, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. If you do eat sweets, make sure to brush after to help remove the excess sugar from your teeth.
4. Don’t Chew Too Hard: Chewing hard objects like ice, hard candy, and fingernails can cause your tooth enamel to break down and can even lead to chipped or cracked teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everybody, but for men, it can be especially important. Making sure to follow the above dos and don’ts can help you keep your mouth healthy and your smile looking its best. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or want to schedule a visit with your dentist, don’t hesitate to give them a call.
