Good oral health is vital to your overall health. Not only does it improve the appearance of your smile, but it also helps to improve your quality of life. Here are a few tips for maintaining good oral health.
- Brush and floss your teeth
Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Using fluoride toothpaste can help to strengthen tooth enamel and protect it from decay. Brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This helps you clean the teeth without irritating the gums or causing damage that could lead to receding gums. To brush your teeth efficiently, brush the outer surfaces of your teeth first, then the inner sides, upper and lower chewing surfaces, and the insides of your front teeth. You should also avoid brushing too hard while your teeth are sensitive, as this can cause your gums to recede even more. Be sure to also brush your tongue! This helps remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
In addition to brushing your teeth, don’t forget to floss every day. Flossing helps to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line. This helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay that can lead to tooth loss.
- Use a mouthwash
Try using a mouthwash with antimicrobial ingredients like chlorhexidine gluconate. Chlorhexidine kills the bacteria that lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. You can try rinsing with a product like this twice a day for the best results.
- Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet packed with nutrient-rich foods can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help keep gums healthy and strong. These foods are low in sugar which can help prevent plaque buildup on teeth. Avoid alcohol, as it can dry out the mouth and increase the risk of decay. It also can reduce saliva production, which can lead to bad breath. Water is the best beverage for hydration. Additionally, limit snacking between meals when possible. This will help reduce exposure to foods and beverages that promote tooth decay. Instead, choose nutritious snacks like cheese, nuts, plain yogurt, or fruit.
- Drink plenty of water
When it comes to your mouth, drinking water helps to wash away harmful acids and sugars. It can also help reduce dry mouth symptoms. A dry mouth is associated with bad breath and poor oral health, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth healthy!
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products
Tobacco is highly toxic to the human body and can wreak havoc on the teeth and gums, leading to cancers that can kill tissue in the mouth. These products can also stain your teeth and cause bad breath. You may also want to limit your sugar intake. Sugar feeds oral bacteria that cause cavities and other oral health issues.
- Keep up regular checkups
When you don’t receive regular preventive care, you’re at greater risk for cavities and other serious oral health issues. Regular checkups are vital to maintaining good oral health. These visits give your dentist an opportunity to detect any issues with a tooth or gums early on so treatment can begin right away. Plus, you’ll receive a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth to help keep them strong and healthy!
If you haven’t since your dentist recently, or if you wish to learn more tips for maintaining good oral health, call us at (832) 532-7120 and schedule an appointment with us.
