Although it’s imperative to maintain optimal oral health, many people struggle to keep up with good oral health practices. Optimal oral health is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. Any compromise to your oral health can lower your quality of life and leave you vulnerable to other systemic health complications. For example, poor oral health is linked to recurrent respiratory infections and heart diseases.
The big question remains; how do you maintain optimal oral health? Here are some tips for maintaining oral health.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
The standard recommendation from dentists and dental hygienists is to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Aside from frequency, experts insist on quality. Firstly, it’s important to use the right toothpaste. Adults can use standard fluoride toothpaste, while children have special pastes with lower fluoride concentrations. Secondly, using a good toothbrush is imperative for the best results. A good toothbrush features soft bristles to avoid trauma and a solid design to facilitate brushing. Lastly, it’s recommended to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes and ensure all areas in your mouth are covered. Children may need some supervision.
Brushing removes food debris, plaque, and bacteria that can cause decay and gum disease. Brushing also prevents discolouration.
Floss Daily
Although brushing your teeth goes a long way in maintaining good oral hygiene, your toothbrush is not designed to get in between teeth. Flossing is a practice used to remove food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Therefore, experts recommend flossing at least once daily as an adjunct to brushing. Nonetheless, it’s essential to floss gently to avoid bleeding and gum irritation.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is great for killing bacteria and freshening your breath. Furthermore, it can prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The ideal mouthwash is alcohol-free, fluorinated, and contains antibacterial agents.
Mouthwash solutions are convenient to use. Simply swish the solution around your mouth for at least 30 seconds and then spit into the sink.
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary and acidic foods and drinks cause tooth decay and erosion. Therefore, limiting the consumption of soda, energy drinks, candy, and other sugary treats is essential. If you do indulge, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth afterwards.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water helps keep your mouth clean as it washes away food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, staying hydrated promotes oral immunity. Experts recommend consuming at least eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Your dentist can detect and treat dental problems before they become complicated. Furthermore, you can get tips and advice for improving your oral hygiene practices. On average, dentists recommend two visits a year.
Professional Cleaning
Although sticking to all the recommended dental routines will promote good oral health, it’s essential to get professional cleaning done for the best outcomes. Professional cleaning is a day procedure carried out by a dentist or dental hygienist. It involves using specialised tools and cleaning products to clean teeth and remove plaque. Among all cleaning routines, professional cleaning is the most effective.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the most harmful oral and overall health practices. It’s a risk factor for tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other health problems. Therefore, quitting smoking can improve your oral health and save your life.
Chew Sugarless Gum
Chewing gum is suitable for your oral health; however, it must be sugarless. Chewing helps stimulate saliva production, which has antiseptic properties. Saliva also keeps the mouth moist.
Wear a Mouthguard
Mouthguards protect teeth from injury. Therefore, wearing a piece is highly recommended if you are involved in contact sports or grind your teeth at night.
Follow these tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Consult with this TMJ dentist in Gilbert, Arizona to get more dental help or if ever you experience any sudden jaw pain
In conclusion, maintaining good oral health requires a combination of proper oral hygiene practices and healthy lifestyle habits. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy.