Best Oral Care Habits To Maintain A Healthy Smile

Good oral health is an important part of your overall health. Poor oral health can lead to many serious health problems. The bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease can also enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. This can cause all sorts of problems, including heart disease, stroke, premature birth, diabetes, and osteoporosis. When your oral health is poor, you may also experience bad breath, bleeding gums, and toothaches. You may also notice that your gums are swollen, red, and bleed easily. Here are the best practices you should follow to maintain good oral health:

• Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to maintain your oral health. Brushing should be done once in the morning, once after you eat, and once before you go to bed. Brushing helps remove plaque, which is made up of bacteria and food particles. If plaque remains on your teeth too long, it can lead to cavities and gum disease. Flossing should be done once before bed to remove plaque from in between your teeth and along the gumline. Flossing helps remove plaque from areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.

• Use Mouthwash Regularly

Mouthwash doesn’t just keep your breath fresh – it also reduces the amount of plaque in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky substance that builds up on your teeth and causes cavities.

When you brush and floss, you remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. However, plaque is also present under the gums. Mouthwash can break up these particles before they turn into a problem, preventing you from having to go to the dentist as often.

• Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are an important part of oral care. During the oral checkup, your dentist will inspect your teeth, gums, and oral cavity for signs of dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. He or she will also examine your neck, face, head, and jaw to check for any abnormalities. Your dentist will also perform professional teeth cleaning. A checkup appointment is a great time to address any ongoing issues you’ve been experiencing. Your dentist will be able to assess your oral health and make changes if needed.

• Quit Smoking

Smoking can cause a number of dental problems, including bad breath, discolored teeth, plaque buildup, and an increased risk of gum disease. Smoking can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Talk with your dentist about how you can quit. He or she can help you create a plan to quit.

• Eat Right For Your Teeth

A healthy diet is more than just about losing weight. Eating right for your teeth and gums can also help boost your oral health.

Crunchy raw vegetables and fruits like apples, carrots, and celery are great for your teeth. They act as a natural cleaner for your mouth and gums. They also help stimulate saliva production. Rinsing with water after you eat will help wash down the food you’ve eaten and neutralize the acids.

Calcium helps strengthen your bones and teeth, which is key to preventing gum disease. Dairy products are a major source of calcium, but if you don’t consume dairy products, you can also find calcium in almonds, broccoli, kale, and spinach.

• Protect Your Teeth From Sports Injuries

Protect your teeth from sports injuries with protective gear. Wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth during sports is a good way to prevent an injury. A mouthguard can serve many purposes. It can protect the teeth, gums, lips, tongue, and cheeks. It also helps to prevent broken teeth and injuries to the temporomandibular joints.

To learn more oral-care habits, visit Bruce R. Clark, DDS, MAGD, 2550 Stover St E-102, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Call us at ( 970 ) 498 8607 to book an appointment.