It’s a little-known fact that your overall health is impacted by how well you care for your mouth, teeth, and gums.
The reason?
Your mouth is the most prominent entry point to your body, and you use it most often to eat, speak, and breathe. And it’s full of bacteria, which means you could be vulnerable to cardiac, oral, and respiratory illness if you don’t treat it with the same care as the rest of your body.
Fortunately, there’s no cause for panic.
Check out these expert tips for taking great care of your teeth and mouth so you can stay healthy and decrease your likelihood of developing certain severe conditions.
Keep Up with Daily Oral Hygiene
Let’s start with the simplest (and most essential) tip for taking care of your mouth and teeth: maintain a healthy and consistent daily oral hygiene practice.
As a reminder, that means flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. This basic practice clears away plaque, which is a buildup caused by bacteria that can lead to cavities and harmful gum diseases if you don’t clean it away regularly.
If you wear one, be sure to clean your night guard or mouth guard properly before and after use, storing it in a well-ventilated case and replacing it as recommended by the manufacturer.
See Your Dentist Every 6 Months
While it may be inconvenient or cause anxiety, seeing your dentist twice annually (or more often, if recommended) is critical to maintaining your overall oral health.
Your dentist and the dental hygienist work as a team to clear away built-up plaque and check for problems like cavities, gum disease, and other issues that could become serious without early intervention.
Limit Sugar, Starch, and Acid in Your Diet
Unfortunately, some of your favorite foods may cause dental problems over time if you don’t enjoy them in moderation and thoroughly clean your teeth once you’re finished.
You probably remember adults warning you that eating too many sweets like candy and baked goods or drinking soda will likely cause cavities.
But why?
Sugar breaks down the layer of enamel that protects your teeth from decay (also known as cavities).
The same is true for starchy and acidic foods like bread, pasta, rice, coffee and tea, or certain fruits and juices.
Start Using Mouthwash
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is critical to support oral health and prevent painful problems like cavities and gum disease. But you may not be eliminating the germs that cause these issues with brushing and flossing alone.
The solution? Try adding mouthwash to your daily routine.
Over-the-counter mouthwash and specialty mouth rinses help kill bacteria in the places your floss and toothbrush can’t reach. If you’re not sure which type of mouthwash is right for you, speak with your dentist today.
Get Recommended Dental Procedures ASAP
No one likes to have necessary dental work done. Particularly if you anticipate pain and inconvenience (or aren’t sure what to expect at all), you might be tempted to delay making an appointment.
But unfortunately, ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. Even minor problems related to tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues can worsen over time. After a certain point, some conditions aren’t reversible.
That’s why you should always make an appointment to have recommended dental procedures as soon as possible.
Consider Alignment Options
Did you know that many uncomfortable oral health conditions can be avoided by correcting or maintaining tooth alignment?
It’s surprising but true.
Crowded or crooked teeth can make it more challenging to effectively clear away plaque and bacteria, making you more vulnerable to tooth decay and problems with your gums.
Over time, misaligned or crowded teeth may even cause painful issues with the jaw joint, requiring intensive treatments to resolve.
Avoid developing severe oral health problems by speaking with your dentist about the right corrective options for you, like invisible alignment trays or braces. If you have minor misalignment concerns, you may benefit from preventative devices like a night guard.
Conclusion
Knowledge is power, and now you’ve got some powerful tools to help you keep your mouth, teeth, and gums as healthy as possible.
Taking care of your oral health as a part of your daily self-care ritual is the best way to help fend off some of the most common (and preventable) diseases, so get started today!
