Oral health refers to the mouth’s overall health, including the teeth, gums, and other structures in the oral cavity. Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall health and well-being. It prevents tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
The severity is such that Utah’s Oral Health Program discovered that the prevalence of tooth decay arises four times more than asthma and seven times more than hay fever. Oral health problems can also harm one’s life since they can lead to serious health conditions such as oral cancer, a severe illness that can become fatal if not detected and treated early.
Oral health is also important for maintaining proper nutrition and speaking and communicating effectively. However, many people still struggle to maintain oral health due to a lack of knowledge or resources. Below will discuss seven tips to help you maintain oral health and keep your smile shining.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
One of the most crucial things to maintain oral health is visiting the dentist regularly. Dentists are highly trained professionals who detect early signs of oral health issues and provide the necessary treatment.
For those who have severe dental problems requiring extraction or implants, an oral surgeon can guide you with the essential procedures needed. If you’re looking for an oral surgeon, many reputable ones are present in South Jordan, Utah.
If you live nearby that vicinity, you can search for oral surgery in South Jordan to receive the best patient care and treatment. Dentists can also guide you in maintaining your oral health by providing advice and tips on improving your oral health at home.
You should see the dentist at least twice yearly for a routine check-up. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to clean your teeth, which helps in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Brush Twice A Day
One of the best ways to maintain oral health is by brushing your teeth. For this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes to remove plaque and food debris from the teeth. Be sure you brush in circular motions along each tooth, paying particular attention to all areas of your mouth where bacteria might hide, such as around crowns or bridges.
You can also try using an electric toothbrush since it can be more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush. Also, brush your tongue since this helps reduce bad breath and bacteria build-up in the mouth and can cause cavities or gum disease. However, change your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles fray.
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Don’t Forget To Floss
Flossing once daily should be a part of your routine for complete dental care and thorough oral hygiene maintenance. Flossing removes dental plaque and food debris between the teeth and the gum line, which sometimes even brushing cannot reach.
When flossing, use a gentle back-and-forth motion, and take extra time around implants or braces. These areas are more prone to bacteria build-up than others due to not being easily accessible with a toothbrush alone. Flossing also strengthens gums, reducing the risk of gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontal disease by removing bacterial toxins that accumulate below the gum line.
Use An Antibacterial Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash is a great way to help maintain oral health. Not only does it freshen your breath, but it also helps reduce plaque build-up, kill bacteria, and prevent gum disease. Most mouthwashes work by killing harmful bacteria that can cause cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health problems.
Gargling with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds several times a day can help decrease the risk of developing these conditions. It can also help remove debris and plaque that brushing and flossing may have missed. Additionally, using fluoridated mouthwash can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Ensure you use the mouthwash as directed and do not swallow it.
Watch What You Eat
Eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health, which includes oral health. Consuming high amounts of sugar causes cavities and increases acidity levels in saliva, which weakens tooth enamel over time and leads to decay. So, avoid and limit your consumption of sugary snacks and drinks. Instead, eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can help prevent cavities.
Fruits and vegetables have lots of vitamins and minerals that promote oral health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery, watermelons, or apples act like natural toothbrushes, helping to clean your teeth and improve your overall health.
Leafy greens being rich in calcium, help maintain your teeth’s robustness. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus can also strengthen teeth and gums. Limiting your intake of acidic foods and drinks can help protect your teeth from erosion. Thus, avoid starchy, acidic, or sticky foods to protect your teeth.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your overall health, but it can also cause significant damage to your oral health. Tobacco products contain harmful chemicals that can cause tooth discoloration, stained teeth, and bad breath. It can also increase your risk of gum disease, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.
Smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of treatments like fillings or root canals by reducing blood flow to the treated area. To maintain optimal oral health, avoiding tobacco products is crucial. It would be best to quit smoking to save your teeth and gums from further damage.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Consuming alcohol in excess can have damaging effects on your oral health. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning you lose more fluids through urine than normal. It can lead to dehydration, which causes dry mouth, an environment conducive to bacteria growth, and plaque build-up.
Regular and heavy drinking can also damage the enamel of your teeth and increase the risk of gum disease. Therefore, it is important to limit your alcohol consumption to maintain optimal oral health. Dental professionals recommend drinking in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle plan.
Final thoughts
Maintaining good oral health is an essential component of overall health and well-being. You must follow the tips in this article to prevent oral health issues from arising and keep your smile shining. Start by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash to keep bacteria away.
You should also avoid sugary foods, stop smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. However, the most crucial thing to remember is to visit a dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. These tips can help prevent tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Remember that good oral hygiene is vital to a healthier lifestyle.
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