Good oral health is not just about your teeth – it also includes your gums and tongue. Maintaining your oral health involves several oral care habits. Listed below are 5 tips for maintaining good oral health:
- Brush your teeth regularly
Your teeth need a good cleaning every day to remove plaque from tooth surfaces and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that hardens to create tartar when it is not removed. Only a professional cleaning can remove tartar, so brush thoroughly after every meal. Be sure to reach all the crevices of your mouth as well. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t damage your enamel. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles start to wear down.
- Floss daily
You should floss your teeth at least once a day, preferably before you go to bed and right when you wake up in the morning. This will allow you to dislodge any food debris and bacteria that have built up between regular brushings. If you don’t remove this bacteria and food debris with thorough flossing, it can lead to bad breath and other oral health issues. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities. Use about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers and slide it up and down just below the gum line. Repeat this process on each tooth.
- Use a mouthwash
While mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing and flossing, it does offer extra protection against tooth decay and cavities. Choose a rinsing agent that contains fluoride for added protection. If you use alcohol-based mouthwash, avoid using it more than twice a day, as it can dry out your mouth.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages
Using tobacco in any form can negatively affect your oral health, not to mention your overall health. Drinking alcoholic beverages can also have a negative impact on your teeth and gums. In addition to increasing your risk of developing oral cancer or gum disease, both of these habits can have negative impacts on your pearly white smile. If you consume these substances in large quantities, talk to your dentist about how to best protect your mouth from the negative effects associated with these habits.
- Eat healthy foods
Your food choices have a big impact on your oral health. Stay away from sugar and acidic foods, such as carbonated beverages and citrus products, which can damage your enamel and cause cavities. Instead, choose nutrient-dense foods that support a healthy mouth.
- See your dentist regularly
One appointment every six months is standard for most people, but your dentist may recommend a different schedule depending on your circumstances. For example, pregnant women are often advised to make appointments more frequently to help protect their oral health and the overall health of their baby. And people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, may need additional dental visits to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
- Wear a mouthguard
If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. This is a particularly important tip for children who participate in sports and activities that could cause facial trauma. However, even adults can benefit from a mouthguard if they regularly participate in high-impact activities such as running, martial arts, basketball, football, etc.
To learn more, visit Smile Design Implant Centers in South Reno, Nevada. We are located at 748 South Meadows Parkway #A8, Reno, NV 89521.