Best Oral Care Practices To Have A Healthy Smile

Good oral health goes beyond just keeping cavities and gum disease at bay. What’s good for your oral health can also impact your general health. Good oral health means that you are keeping your teeth clean and that you are visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. Most importantly, it means that you are maintaining a good at-home oral hygiene routine. 

Good oral health is important for several reasons. First, oral health affects your overall health. Bacteria that build up in the mouth can migrate to the rest of the body. This can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

In addition, having good oral health can improve the appearance of your teeth. When teeth are damaged, crooked, or stained, they can hurt your self-esteem. This can take a toll on your emotional health as well as your mental health.

Best Oral Care Practices To Have A Healthy Smile

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is an important part of maintaining good dental hygiene. It helps to prevent cavities by removing plaque from the surface of your teeth. Plaque is a filmy substance that lives in your mouth. It’s made up of food particles, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens and turns into tartar. Tartar is a calcified plaque and can only be removed at the dentist’s office. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps to prevent plaque buildup. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three months.

• Floss your teeth once a day

Brushing your teeth is essential to good oral health, but flossing is just as important. The bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach between every tooth and under the gums. This is where plaque can accumulate and cause gum disease. Flossing helps removes these buildups. When flossing, use a gentle, up-and-down motion.

• Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing

Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can eliminate any remaining food particles. A mouthwash with fluoride can also help strengthen your enamel. However, mouthwashes with alcohol will only dry out your mouth.

• Visit the dentist for regular checkups

You should visit your dentist for regular checkups. The dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and check for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Your dentist will also talk to you about proper oral hygiene and the steps you can take to maintain a healthy smile.

• Make healthy food choices

Eating healthy foods and limiting snacks between meals can help keep your teeth strong. Try to avoid foods high in sugar, which increases your risk of tooth decay.

• Quit smoking

Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products can cause yellow teeth, gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. We know it can be difficult to quit smoking, but the benefits of quitting are well worth it. Talk to our dentist about the best smoking cessation products and techniques to help you quit.

• Keep your stress levels low

Keeping stress levels low can be difficult, especially when you have a lot going on in your life. However, it’s important to manage your stress levels in order to prevent damage to your smile. High levels of stress can cause dry mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow. It can also affect your hormone levels, which can reduce saliva production. This, in turn, can also lead to tooth decay. 

• See your dentist immediately if you experience a dental emergency

Dental emergencies are any injuries or conditions that require immediate attention from your dentist. In some situations, waiting for treatment puts your oral health at risk. So, seek a dental appointment at the earliest in case of a dental emergency. 

To learn more tips for maintaining good oral health, call Dobson Ranch Dental Care at (480) 838-8558 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Payne.