How to Maintain Good Oral Health
Although sometimes overlooked, taking care of your oral health is a crucial part of your overall health. As an entry point to your digestives and respiratory tracts, the mouth is the first place in the body where harmful bacteria can enter. To keep your body healthy and to take care of your teeth, make sure to prioritize your oral health.
Ways to Maintain Your Oral Health
Brush your Teeth Every Night
Brushing your teeth before bed allows you to remove any germs or plaque that has accumulated throughout the day. When brushing, make sure to move your toothbrush in careful, gentle motions to eliminate any buildup along your teeth, gums, and tongue.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
A naturally occurring mineral in our bodies, fluoride helps prevent cavities by enforcing the protective barrier of enamel on the outer surface of your teeth. With this barrier, your teeth are more resilient against decay and acidic erosion.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Although often neglected, flossing every day is equally important as brushing is to your oral health. Flossing clears away any plaque or bacteria that a toothbrush cannot reach. It also is an efficient way to stimulate your gums, lower gum inflammation, and expel any food that has become lodged between your teeth.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco products can negatively impact the body’s immune system, which makes it very difficult for the tissues in your mouth to heal. In addition, these addictive products pose a significant risk factor for developing gum diseases, including gum cancer. Not only can the use of tobacco affect your overall and oral health, but it can also impact your cosmetic appearance, oftentimes leading to yellow teeth, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Use Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is an effective way to maintain your oral health due to its ability to:
- Reduce acid in the mouth
- Clean hard-to-brush areas
- Remineralize the teeth
Ask your dentist about what type of mouthwash is right for you, as certain brands are preferable for young children and individuals with highly sensitive teeth.
Drink More Water
As the best beverage for your health, drinking more water provides your body with a myriad of benefits. For example, drinking water after a meal allows you to wash out the remains of sticky and acidic food that can harm your teeth before you get a chance to brush. In addition, beverages high in sugar are the leading source of added sugars in most diets, so drinking water in place of these unhealthy beverages can decrease your risk of cavities.
Limit Your Intake of Sugary and Acidic Foods
Not only can sugary beverages lead to enamel erosion and cavities, but acidic fruits, sweets, and coffee can also wear down your teeth’s protective barriers. It is recommended that men should have no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day, while women should have no more than 25 grams per day.
Visit Your Dentist at Least Twice a Year
Despite following the above tips, it is still necessary to visit the dentist for professional cleanings at least twice a year. Dentists can not only eliminate plaque buildup and ensure your gums are healthy, but they can also identify any potential oral health problems early on and provide treatment solutions.
Contact ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles
To meet your oral health needs, visit ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles today! Offering both child and adult dentistry, as well as orthodontic care, your teeth will be in the best care possible with our specially trained physicians. Not only will your oral health be prioritized at ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles, but we also offer pediatric primary care so that all of your child’s health needs can be addressed in one place. To make an appointment, click here or call (855) 503-1084.