Poor oral health is about much more than not having a gleaming white smile and minty fresh breath. In fact, periodontitis and other diseases of the teeth and mouth can lead to some serious health problems. Among those are cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and even dementia.
In other words, it’s important to have a healthy mouth! Read on to learn how to take care of your teeth, tongue, and gums. And if you need a dental recommendation, head over to the professional dental clinic in Vista.
1. Backs to Basics: Brushing
You knew this was coming, right? It ought to be a no-brainer, but plenty of people still don’t brush their teeth twice a day. Ewww!
It’s also important to brush properly. Hold the brush at a 45 angle to the gum line and use gentle, circular strokes. A soft brush is preferable to a hard one, too. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to scrub away at your teeth to get them clean.
2. Don’t Forget Flossing
Flossing might not be fun, but it is important. You can brush your teeth religiously and thoroughly, but still develop tooth decay and early gum disease stages if you are not flossing.
Do you dislike the feeling of floss wrapped around your fingers? You’re not alone. Try using disposable flossers or a water flosser.
3. Tend to Your Tongue
Did you know that your tongue can attract plaque, too? In addition to poor oral health, a plaque-coated tongue can result in bad breath. And no one wants that! Brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth or use a tongue scraper to clean it.
4. Make Mouthwash Part of the Routine
Mouthwash is a good choice for many people. It certainly won’t hurt, so why not add it to your daily routine? Choose one that has antiseptic properties — some so-called mouthwashes are just made to freshen the breath, but don’t contribute to dental health. Ask your dentist for a recommendation if you are confused about what product to purchase.
5. Watch What You Eat
When mealtime or snack time rolls around, choose your food carefully. Avoid gooey, sticky, sugary foods like caramel. Any food high in acid, like pickles or citrus, should be eaten in moderation. And ditch that soda habit. The citric acid and other ingredients in your cola or other soda flavors can eat away at tooth enamel over time.
6. Snacks to Support Dental Health
On the flip side, there are some foods to nosh on that will actually help keep your mouth healthy! Crunchy vegetables and fruits — think apples, celery, carrots — can actually work like natural toothbrushes to clean plaque from the teeth as you chew. Snacking on cheese or other calcium-rich dairy products can help remineralize teeth and rebuild enamel.
7. Don’t Skip the Dentist Appointments
We get it; going to the dentist can be scary, especially if you’ve had a bad experience in the past. But it’s important. Find a dentist who is gentle and kind, and see them twice a year. It will help keep your oral health on track, and can nip any potential problems in the bud.
A Healthy Mouth Is In Your Hands!
It’s not difficult or expensive to maintain good oral hygiene. All it takes is a few simple tools and a few minutes each day, and you will be on the path to a healthy mouth!
Do you have any tips for good oral hygiene? Share them in the comments!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind