Everyone knows that brushing twice daily is important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but there are actually a lot of factors that contribute to a healthy mouth. Making sure you visit the dentist regularly is one of the most vital steps in having good oral hygiene, but making healthy habits daily will really make the difference in your oral health.
Daily Oral Health Tips
- Eat healthy – Consuming a healthy diet is the first step in not only your general health but your dental health as well. High sugar consumption can lead to accelerated tooth decay when the sugars and plaque create an acid that eats away at your enamel. The best diet for healthy teeth is one with plenty of grains, fruits, and vegetables and only limited amounts of processed foods.
- Daily routine – The one you have heard most often is to brush once in the morning and once before you go to bed at night, but it is also important to make sure you are brushing correctly otherwise it isn’t as effective. It is also good to make a habit of flossing at least once day and using mouthwash to get rid of the bacteria that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
- Use fluoride – Fluoride not only strengthens the teeth of young children, but also has many benefits for adults as well. One of the main benefits is that it helps to prevent tooth decay by protecting your tooth’s enamel. Most toothpastes and mouthwashes will have fluoride but if you need a little extra help your dentist can recommend a fluoride gel with a higher concentration.
- Quit using tobacco – Smoking doesn’t only damage your lungs and throat, but it can also cause irreparable damage to your mouth. Using tobacco increases your risk of gingivitis, tooth decay, and oral cancer. It can also cause bad breath and stains your teeth.
- Pay attention – Simply being aware of your mouth, teeth, and gums can help you catch possible issues. It may seem easy to notice things like swollen gums or tooth pain, but cracked teeth can be hard to notice right away and may lead to tooth decay. If something seems wrong it is best to contact your dentist right away.
Need More Information?
These simple steps can help you maintain your oral health, but your dentist can always help with that battle. If you live in the Bangor, ME area and have questions or concerns about your teeth and gums, please contact our office today to set up an appointment!
