Good oral hygiene is significant to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It involves habits like brushing your teeth twice a day and having regular dental checkups with your dentist.
However, oral health isn’t only about cavities and gum disease. According to the American Dental Association, there is a relationship between a person’s mouth and overall health. Dental experts regard oral health problems as a global issue, so March 20th is marked as World Oral Health Day.
Tooth decay or gum issues can lead to pain, tooth loss, and problems with self-confidence when not treated. They can hamper a person’s personal life and result in malnutrition and speech problems.
However, people can prevent these dental issues with proper dental care, both in the dentist’s office and at home. The following are some top tips to help you maintain optimal oral health.
Top Tips To Maintain Good Oral Health
Brush Regularly But Not Aggressively
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most effective practices for removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and keeping them clean. Yet, brushing is only effective if people use the proper technique.
You should brush by making small circular motions. Take care to brush every tooth’s top, front, and back. Avoid the typical sawing back-and-forth motions most people engage in while brushing.
Brushing aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage the tooth enamel and gums. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles is best recommended, and your toothbrushes should be changed every three months or when they start looking worn out.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a common ingredient found in toothpaste and mouth rinse, and many experts believe that fluoride helps prevent cavities. However, not all dental products contain fluoride, and some people do not use it all.
Brushing and flossing do not prevent a person from getting cavities if they do not use fluoride. Therefore, you must ensure you use toothpaste that contains fluoride when brushing.
Also, you can get fluoride from tap water as many communities in the United States have added fluoride to their water supply. To know if the drinking water in your area contains fluoride, contact your local government.
Beware Of Snacking
What we eat can have a significant impact on our oral health. Occasional snacking may seem harmless, but it can do more harm than good, especially if you’re having sugary foods and drinks.
It’s better for your teeth and general health if you eat good meals instead of taking snacks all through the day. Ensure you maintain a healthy balanced diet at all times.
Quit Smoking
Smoking harms the body’s internal organs in different ways than one. It reduces the functioning capacity of the body’s immune system, making it difficult for the body to heal tissues, including those in the mouth.
Smoking is a risk factor for gum disease, and individuals who smoke may experience slow healing after undergoing certain dental treatments. Smoking also affects the overall appearance of the mouth, and it gives breath a bad odor and leads to the yellowing of the teeth and tongue.
Consider A Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps individuals reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, remineralizes the teeth, and cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums. It can complement brushing and flossing but cannot serve as a substitute for these practices.
Mouthwashes are essential to help maintain good oral health. Consult with your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. If you’re going for OTC mouthwashes, ensure you select those having the ADA seal.
Limit Sugary Food and Starches
Consuming excess sugary foods and drinks lead to cavities. These foods linger in the mouth and are converted to acid, which can erode the enamel of your teeth and cause tooth decay. Instead of taking sugary and starchy foods, it’s recommended you eat more fiber and vegetables. Also, dairy products with no sugar additives are highly recommended.
Replace Sugary Drinks With Water
Beverages such as soda, juice, teas, coffee, and other sugary drinks can also lead to a higher risk of cavities. You must replace them with water or unsweetened tea for better dental health throughout the day. If you take sugar-sweetened drinks, they should be at mealtimes and in small quantities.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Your oral health is crucial to your overall health, and you should see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Maintaining good oral health in Florissant, MO, is best when you go for regular dental checkups with your dentist.
Your dentist can help remove plaques, look for cavities, spot arising issues, and provide treatment solutions. Some dental insurance firms cover frequent dental checkups. If you are a beneficiary of any dental insurance, you should take advantage of it by booking an appointment with your dentist.