5 Ways To Improve Your Overall Oral Health

Our mouths are a gateway into our respiratory and digestive systems. Neglecting our oral health can cause bacteria to build up and cause infections. If bacteria enter our bloodstream, it can lead to severe and sometimes lethal conditions such as stroke, respiratory complications, and kidney issues. Our teeth are much than just their appearance. Taking care of our oral health is a crucial part of maintaining our overall wellbeing. In order to help, we’ve compiled five simple yet effective ways to improve your overall oral health.

1. Brush Your Teeth the Right Way 

Brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough to effectively clean your teeth. Using the right technique and tools is also essential. To properly remove plaque, make sure to take your time and gently move your brush in circular motions over your teeth. If plaque is not removed correctly, it can harden, causing calculus buildup and potentially gingivitis. Additionally, using the right toothbrush will ensure cleanliness and prevent enamel loss. Many people are under the impression that more rigid bristles lead to cleaner teeth; this is not necessarily true. The ideal toothbrush should:

• Be large enough to cover your teeth’s surface area
• Have soft bristles that will not wear down the enamel
• Be replaced every three to four months.

2. Remember Daily Flossing 

We understand that flossing can be difficult and inconvenient sometimes; however, it is crucial to maintaining your oral health. Flossing is not just great for removing pieces of food that may be stuck between your teeth, but rather to help stimulate your gums, remove plaque and bacteria, and reduce inflammation. If you find traditional dental floss hard to use, other options such as water flossers, interdental brushes, and flosser picks are also available. 

     3. Consider Using a Mouthwash

Besides brushing and flossing your teeth, incorporating a mouthwash intoyour routine can add an extra layer of protection and take cleaning one step further. Mouthwash can access soft-tissue and hard-to-reach areas and kill bacteria that cause bad breath and infections. As an extra perk, mouthwashes can also help freshen up your breath and whiten your teeth.

4. Eat a Balanced & Nutritious Diet 

A diet conducive to optimal oral health should include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and proteins. Limiting sugary foods and drinks vital to prevent cavities as the sugar turns into an acidic substance capable of eroding your teeth and leading to cavities. While cutting these foods altogether may be a bit extreme to some people, significantly reducing their consumption is highly recommended. 

5. See a Dentist at Least Twice a Year

While following the previously mentioned steps is critical in the upkeep of your oral health, even the most dedicated people need to see their dentist at least twice a year for an oral exam and teeth cleanings. These routine procedures allow dentists to thoroughly check your teeth for potential or ongoing issues and offer the appropriate treatment. If you are approaching that time, we highly encourage you to contact our Tamarac dentist or Plantation dentist to book an appointment today. 

February 12, 2021