Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things we can do for our overall health. Not only does it keep our teeth looking and feeling great, but it also helps protect us from a variety of health problems. By being proactive about our oral health, we can help prevent severe damage to the teeth and gums.
Here are ten easy ways to keep your teeth healthy and looking their best:
1. Floss Daily
Flossing removes the food particles that brushing misses, and it can also help prevent tooth decay by stopping bacteria from building up between your teeth.
Flossing can also prevent gum disease, the most common cause of tooth loss, and helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
2. Brush Twice a Day
Using an antibacterial mouthwash can further help you fight off harmful oral germs or bacteria that could lead to more severe health issues down the road.
Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months.
3. Keep Your Gums Healthy
The two most common signs of gum disease are receding gums and red, puffy, or tender gums. Gum disease is basically an inflammatory condition that affects the tissue surrounding your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss or even worse health problems.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. This will limit the amount of damage that can occur if caught early.
4. Keep Your Mouth Moist
Using a moisturizing mouthwash can help keep your mouth from becoming dry and irritated, especially during the winter when you’re more likely to be using heat in your home.
A dry mouth leads to bacteria growth and tooth decay, so keeping up with your oral hygiene is very important.
5. Limit Sugar Intake
Sugar leads to tooth decay and cavities, so limiting how much we consume daily is essential. This includes determining how often we eat sugary snacks and drink soda or other sweetened beverages throughout the day.
Also, try brushing your teeth after eating sweets for at least one minute to avoid damaging your enamel too much.
6. Don’t Smoke
Smoking can lead to numerous health problems, including gum disease and oral cancer.
It can also cause receding gums and jaw bone loss, which is irreversible. If you currently smoke, try to replace this habit with healthier options such as chewing on sugar-free gum or even just brushing your teeth more often.
7. Visit Your Dentist at Least Twice a Year
This is an essential step in your oral hygiene, as it allows us to clean our teeth and gums every six months thoroughly.
It also allows dentists to check for any potential signs of health problems, such as jaw arthritis or jaw bone loss. Your dentist might recommend getting jaw surgery if they believe it is necessary.
8. Eat Nutritious Food
Eating healthy not only helps keep us physically fit but also ensures that our bodies are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay strong and healthy, too.
Eating nutritious food makes sense for so many reasons, so let’s try to stick with this habit!
9. Stay Away From Chewing Tobacco
This includes all types of chewing tobacco, including snuff and chewing tobacco that you place between your cheek and gums.
Chewing tobacco is extremely dangerous for our oral health and can lead to cancer and other serious health problems. It also contains nicotine, so it’s addictive, too. Try to replace chewing tobacco with healthier practices such as brushing or flossing after meals instead.
10. Do Not Stress Out
Stress has been proven to negatively affect health, including making us more susceptible to catching a cold.
It can also lead to other issues such as gum disease and tooth loss, so it’s essential to take care of our mental health as well. Try meditation or talking with a counselor if you feel stressed out from time to time.
There are many easy ways to keep your teeth healthy and looking great. From brushing twice a day and flossing regularly to keeping our gums healthy and following a nutritious diet, there is much that we can do for our dental hygiene.
If you’re struggling with tooth decay or cavities now, try one of these ten tips today to improve the state of your oral care routine. Surely, this article has helped you learn more about how important it is to take care of your teeth and gums.
