Good oral health promotes healthy teeth and gums, helping you to speak clearly, chew properly, and smile confidently. It also lowers the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues.
Maintaining good oral hygiene starts at home and continues with visits to your dentist. We’ve compiled a list of 10 tips for maintaining good oral health that you can use immediately!
Brush Daily
Brushing your teeth is an essential step in preserving the health of your mouth. It removes plaque, the sticky substance that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
When done correctly, brushing your teeth can prevent and treat oral disease and help you have a healthy smile for life! Follow the American Dental Association’s recommended brushing technique, choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste, and floss daily.
Floss Daily
Flossing is a great way to remove food particles between your teeth and plaque that may develop there. It also helps reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing can also help improve your breath. Plaque and bacteria can build up between your teeth, leading to bad breath.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
One of the most crucial recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene is to schedule routine dental checkups. Your dentist at Canyon View Dentistry can assist in locating and treating issues before they worsen or become painful.
Visiting your dentist regularly also helps you maintain good oral health and prevent the need for expensive dental treatments later in life.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is a great way to maintain good oral health. It can also aid in weight loss, mood improvement, and general health.
Your diet should include foods from the five food groups and fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods contain the nutrients your body needs to stay strong and healthy.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can lead to many dental problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and oral cancer. By avoiding smoking, you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Smoking also causes your mouth to become dry, which makes it more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. To prevent these issues, brush and floss your teeth twice a day. And be sure to visit your dentist for professional cleanings.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water helps you stay hydrated and keeps your mouth healthy. It also rinses harmful bacteria and food debris that can lead to bad breath.
In addition, drinking water helps prevent dry mouth, which can increase your risk for cavities and other dental concerns. It also strengthens your teeth with minerals like fluoride and phosphate.
Use Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is an integral part of maintaining good oral hygiene. It can help remove food particles that were brushing and flossing miss and kill bacteria to prevent cavities.
Many different types of mouthwashes are available, so choosing one right for you is essential. Some are specially designed to whiten your teeth, while others can help with bacterial infections or gum disease.
Brush Your Tongue Daily
Often neglected, the tongue is an integral part of good oral hygiene. Brushing your tongue daily can help reduce bad breath, improve taste, and boost your immune system.
The papillae, microscopic bumps on your tongue, draw germs and food particles. Without regular cleaning, these bacteria can build up and lead to halitosis.
Take Care of Your Teeth Before Bed
One of the most crucial things you can do for your dental health is to take care of your teeth before bed. It can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease and give you fresher breath in the morning!
Saliva has antibacterial properties and helps keep your mouth clean. When your body is at rest, saliva production decreases, which leaves your teeth vulnerable to plaque buildup.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Dental visits help maintain good oral hygiene and prevent problems from developing in the future. They also allow the dentist to detect potential issues causing discomfort, pain, or other health concerns.
You should see your dentist regularly regardless of how healthy you are. However, those with a high risk of dental disease or conditions should visit more frequently.
