Tips To Maintain Good Oral Health

Good oral health begins with a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is all essential. You should also visit the dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup. However, these habits are not enough. Read on to learn more:

• Regular dental checkups

You should visit your dentist every six to nine months for regular cleanings and checkups. If it’s been longer than that, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. Regular dental checkups give your dentist the chance to detect any issues early on, which can help keep your smile bright, healthy, and beautiful.

• Brushing and flossing

In addition to regular dental checkups and dental treatments, it’s also important to take care of your mouth at home. Brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing will remove the bacteria and food particles that build up on teeth during the day. Flossing will remove plaque from between teeth and along the gum line.

• Quitting smoking

Smoking is one of the worst habits you can have. It causes discoloration of your teeth, increases your chance of gum disease and oral cancers, and wreaks havoc on your oral health. If you smoke, it’s time to kick the habit for good.

Smoking also causes gum disease, which is one of the most common dental problems. In fact, smokers are up to 3 times more likely to lose their teeth.

• Reducing your sugar habit

Reducing your sugar habit is essential to maintaining a healthy smile and can also have a positive effect on your overall health as well. When you eat sugary foods, the sugar can coat your teeth and promote tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth also feed on sugar, and since they produce acids that damage your enamel, eating sugar can contribute to dental caries.

• Eating a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. It can also help to protect your teeth and gums. Foods that are rich in calcium and phosphorus, such as milk and cheese, help to strengthen tooth enamel.

• Using a mouthguard 

Wearing a mouthguard at night is a good idea for a number of reasons. First, it keeps your teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep. It also protects your teeth from damage caused by unconscious clenching and grinding. Finally, it protects your teeth from sports-related injuries. If you play sports, talk to your dentist about getting a custom-fitted mouthguard.

• Preventive treatments to protect teeth

Preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride treatments protect teeth from decay. Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of molars. This coating acts as a barrier to prevent food particles from forming cavities. Sealants fill in the pits and depressions on the chewing surfaces, where decay is most likely to develop. Fluoride treatments work to strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks.

To learn more oral care tips, call us at 636-532-2101 or schedule an appointment online and consult our dentist at Licata Dental.