Taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about having a great smile. It’s also about keeping your whole body healthy. Good oral hygiene habits can reduce your risk of developing serious health problems, like heart disease, stroke, and gum disease. Here are six easy ways to keep your mouth healthy.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Plaque, a sticky film of germs that accumulates on your teeth and gums, is removed by brushing your teeth. Cavities and gum disease are caused by plaque. Cavities are permanent holes in your teeth caused by plaque attacks on the enamel or the hard outer coating of the tooth.
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone around your teeth and lead to tooth loss. However, you have the option of getting a tooth implant from a professional dental center to replace your tooth.
Floss Every Day
Flossing removes plaque from places your toothbrush cannot reach, such as between your teeth and beneath your gumline. Unremoved plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Flossing on a regular basis can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Use roughly 18 inches of floss to floss properly. Wrap the floss over each middle finger, leaving about an inch or two to work with. Guide the floss between your teeth with your thumbs and forefingers. Gently wrap the floss around the base of each tooth and under the gumline in a C shape. Brush the floss up and down the sides of each tooth. Avoid snapping the floss into your gums.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat affects your teeth and gums. Eating foods that contain lots of sugar can increase the risk of cavities. And eating foods that are high in acidity can wear away the enamel on your teeth. So make sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains in your diet.
You can also help protect your teeth by limiting sugary snacks and drinks, like soda and candy. And be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after eating acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist or dental hygienist regularly is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. During a professional cleaning, they will remove any buildup of tartar on your teeth and check for any signs of cavities or gum disease.
They will also be able to give you personalized advice on how to care for your teeth and gums. For example, they may recommend using toothpaste with fluoride if you’re at risk for cavities or using mouthwash to help control gum disease. Not to mention, they can also answer any questions you may have about oral health.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. It increases your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. It can also cause bad breath and stains on your teeth. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health. Here are some tips to help you quit smoking for good:
- Set a quit date and tell your friends and family about it.
- Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and workplace.
- Avoid triggers that make you want to smoke, such as drinking alcohol or coffee.
- Replace cigarettes with healthy substitutes, like gum or carrots.
- Get support from a friend, family member, or doctor.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can have a negative impact on your oral health. It can make you more likely to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, which can lead to TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is a condition that causes pain in the muscles and joints that control your jaw.
Stress can also make you more likely to develop canker sores and small ulcers in your mouth that can be painful. If you’re experiencing stress, there are many ways to manage it, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and counseling. Not only will managing your stress improve your oral health, but it will also improve your overall health.
Good oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining overall health and preventing serious health problems from developing. By following these simple tips, you can keep your mouth healthy and avoid problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. So start practicing these habits today and enjoy a healthy mouth for years to come.
