5 Best Oral Health Practices for Healthy Teeth & Gums
From maintaining a healthy body to achieving a radiant smile, there are many important reasons to strive for healthy teeth and gums. If you want the confidence to smile without worry over the appearance of your teeth or wish that you had fresher breath or a reduced risk of gum disease, then the secret lies in taking better care of your teeth and gums.
We’re going to cover five of the best oral health practices for healthy teeth and gums that’ll help you to prevent problems and enjoy a lifetime of better dental health.
You may be surprised by the amazing results that can come from simple changes to your daily habits and regular visits to the dentist!
Become an Expert at Brushing Your Teeth
Most people are aware that they need to brush their teeth twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Yet, there’s more that you need to know to make this practice as beneficial as possible.
Firstly, the toothpaste you use can have a big impact on the quality of your brushing.
Ideally, you should use fluoride toothpaste, which provides essential protection against tooth decay. This type of toothpaste will fight germs and strengthen enamel for a big boost in tooth defense.
When it comes to brushing, be sure to use small, gentle strokes and clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth. You also need the correct size of toothbrush for your mouth, and preferably one with soft bristles. A toothbrush won’t last forever, you need to replace it every 3-4 months!
The more you learn about the correct way to brush your teeth, the more effective the twice-daily practice will be!
Clean the Entirety of Your Mouth
Brushing only goes so far to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. For the best care, you need to clean other areas of your mouth and areas that your toothbrush is unable to reach. This includes using your toothbrush to softly brush your tongue after brushing your teeth. Brushing your tongue will help to prevent plaque buildup and keep your breath smelling fresh.
Floss, mouthwash and sugar-free gum all have a role to play in keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You should rinse with mouthwash daily to reduce acid and prevent tooth decay. If you suffer from gum disease, a therapeutic mouthwash could be very beneficial in reducing it, as well as reducing tartar and plaque development.
You should also floss your teeth daily to remove debris, reduce inflammation and lower the amount of plaque in the mouth. Chewing gum is another way to remove debris and it also increases saliva, which i neutralizes the acid in the mouth and gets rid of bacteria.
Make Good Food and Drink Choices
The food you eat affects your overall health. One of the best practices for healthy teeth and gums is to be mindful of the damage that certain foods can do to your oral health and the benefits of others.
Sugary foods are especially bad for your teeth, as they can lead to enamel erosion as the sugar breaks down in the mouth. To protect your teeth, it’s crucial to limit how much sugary food you eat and how frequently you eat snacks – eating snacks is more harmful to teeth than meals, as there’s not as much saliva to get rid of acid. Also be wary of acidic foods, which can cause similar damage to your teeth.
Eating a balanced diet is important. If you lack certain nutrients in your diet you may be more prone to mouth infections and gum disease. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy will help you to maintain good oral health.
In addition to eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Water will ensure that your mouth stays hydrated by contributing to saliva creation. More saliva means less risk of tooth decay and less food debris in the mouth, so your teeth stay healthy and your breath stays fresh.
Protect Your Teeth When Playing Sports
The best practices for healthy teeth and gums don’t all revolve around cleaning and eating habits at home, you also need to be mindful of your dental health when you’re playing sports or partaking in any activity where there’s a risk of tooth damage or loss.
The practice of protecting your teeth from impact damage when playing sports is as simple as buying a mouthguard and remembering to wear it.
You can buy mouthguards at sporting stores, or for more effective protection, talk to your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard.
Visit Sheehan Dental for Regular Dental Checkups
Last but by no means least: you need to visit your dentist twice a year for healthy teeth and gums! Your dentist has a wealth of knowledge about the best practices for healthy teeth and gums, all you need to do is ask.
Visiting your dentist every six months will ensure that you’re getting the advice and treatments you require to keep your mouth in the best condition. There are many ways your dentist can help you, including regular dental cleanings to remove stubborn plaque and tartar, and examinations to identify the signs of gum disease and oral cancer as soon as possible.
You can talk to your dentist about restorative treatment to improve your bite and speech, cosmetic treatment to give you a dazzling smile or advice on brushing your teeth in the most effective manner – you can avoid most problems with expert dental care!
By taking the time to look after your teeth and gums properly, you can achieve a smile to be proud of and ensure that problems are identified and treated quickly to minimize their impact on your life. It’s time to take your dental health seriously, by reaching out to the expert dental team at Sheehan Dental today.