Eight Ways to Improve Dental Health
Maintaining good dental health is essential for more reasons than one. Teeth help us to chew, pronounce different sounds, and give shape to our faces. A healthy smile can be a great asset. Therefore, it is vital to provide teeth and gums the best care possible. Simple at-home oral care can help prevent tooth decay, gum problems, infections, and tooth loss. It also protects from a variety of health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Following a simple oral care routine can have a lasting impact on the overall health of an individual. Here are ten essential things that play a significant role in improving dental health:
Follow the basics
Brushing teeth twice a day is the most crucial part of good oral care. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. This will help in removing plaque and get rid of the bacteria that lead to tooth decay and periodontal diseases. Invest in an electric toothbrush and make sure to change the head every two to three months.
Don't neglect your tongue
Plaque can gather on, around, and under the tongue. Not cleaning it every day can lead to bad mouth odor and other oral health problems. Use a toothbrush or a tongue cleaner to clean the surface of your tongue.
Floss daily
Flossing once a day with a ready-to-use dental flosser can help remove food and plaque that gets stuck between teeth and below the gum line.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash
Using a mouthwash regularly is vital for good dental health. It reduces the number of acids in the mouth, prevents bacteria from causing cavities and gingivitis, and cleans areas in and around the gums.
Visit the dentist regularly
Don’t wait until there is something wrong to visit a dentist. Schedule regular dental check-ups for cleanings and exams. This will help in the early detection of a dental problem and will save you the cost of expensive dental procedures down the road. It will also make sure a lifetime of good oral health.
Eat a healthy, balanced, nutritional diet
A healthy diet is essential to maintain strong teeth and gums. Include fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, chicken, fish, eggs, and beans in your diet to get all the required nutrients. Avoid sodas and limit the intake of sugary and starchy foods in your diet. These foods lead to tooth decay and erode the tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of the teeth.
Avoid cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and alcohol
All of these are well-known factors that contribute to gum diseases and oral cancer. Tobacco stains teeth, causes bad breath, and significantly increases the risk of gum diseases and other serious health problems. Alcohol leads to loss of enamel by eroding the outer surface of the teeth.
Drink more water
Drinking water after every meal is the best way to maintain oral health, especially if you live in an area with fluoridated water.
Improving oral hygiene does not necessarily include significant lifestyle changes. Good oral hygiene habits should start from an early age to prevent problems in the future. Being mindful of your daily habits will not only keep your teeth in excellent shape and health but will also prevent major diseases.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call our office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
