Tips To Improve Your Oral Health

Oral health is the state of your gums, teeth, and mouth. Healthy teeth are white, firm, and clean. Healthy gums fit snugly around your teeth and do not bleed. If you have healthy teeth, gums, and mouth, you have good oral health.

Good oral health is important for many reasons. Your oral health is directly related to your overall health. Conversely, poor oral health can affect your overall health. For example, poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. In addition, poor oral health can be a contributing risk factor for respiratory infections like pneumonia. Poor oral health also means you have an unappealing smile, which can affect your self-confidence.

How to maintain good oral health

Proper oral hygiene should be practiced every day. Here are a few tips:

Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are an important part of your oral health routine. By visiting the dentist every six months, you can ensure that your teeth are being properly cared for. Early detection is the best way to prevent dental problems from developing. During your checkup, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jaw for any signs of decay, disease, or infection. The dentist will also review your medical history and oral hygiene routine to ensure your smile is as healthy as possible.

• Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing your teeth should be done twice daily. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after each meal. Brushing after every meal helps remove food debris and plaque from the surface of your teeth. This helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time you brush. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. A toothbrush with tough bristles can damage the enamel of your teeth and cause tooth sensitivity.

• Floss your teeth daily

Flossing your teeth daily helps remove plaque from between your teeth. Removing plaque from between your teeth can help reduce the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other problems. Try flossing at least once a day.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Our dental health products, including water picks, floss, and toothpaste, are formulated to fight plaque and bacteria buildup. But there are plenty of other ways that you can help remove harmful bacteria in your mouth. One way to do so is using an antibacterial mouthwash. These rinses help eradicate harmful oral bacteria, leaving your mouth feeling fresh. Plus, they can help fight bad breath, remove plaque, and prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

• Limit the intake of sugary snacks and beverages

While it can be tempting to reach for a snack like chocolate, candy, or soda – all of which contain sugar – the sugars in these treats aren’t doing your smile any favors. So, limit their intake as much as possible.

• Quit smoking and chewing tobacco

The best way to improve your dental health is to quit smoking. It is also beneficial to quit chewing tobacco. Smoking and chewing tobacco increase plaque buildup and can cause gum disease.

People who smoke are at a higher risk of gum disease. Smokers are 25% more likely to get gum disease than non-smokers. Smoking also slows down your ability to heal when you have gum disease. Chewing tobacco increases your risk of oral cancer and tooth decay. The act of chewing tobacco can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

• Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep your smile healthy and bright. Poor nutrition can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Good nutrition is good for your overall health and can help prevent a number of diseases and health conditions. Choose foods high in nutrients and low in sugar when snacking.

To learn more tips to improve your oral health, contact University Oaks Dental, 6363 San Felipe St #200b, Houston, TX 77057 at (713) 461-8012, or schedule an appointment with us through our website.