Daily Tips for Oral Hygiene

It’s important to focus on oral hygiene, or else you may have to put your money where your mouth is – on expensive dental work that is. Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about having a good smile and fresh breath. Besides saving on expensive oral procedures, the condition of your mouth is an indicator of your health in general. Research has shown that oral health is closely related to your overall condition. While the direct reasons for this link is debatable, there is no doubt that the condition of your mouth is directly related to overall physical health. Below are some simple tips to help keep your mouth in good shape.

Floss Regularly

It takes daily maintenance to keep your gums healthy and fight plaque. Flossing can seem like a chore, especially when you are in a rush to get somewhere in the morning – but flossing helps remove pieces of food and other substances that can cause havoc inside your mouth. Flossing lets you get deep in-between your teeth where you can’t brush. It is recommended that you floss at least one time a day.

Don’t Smoke

Everyone knows the dangers of smoking. Smoking is particularly hard on your teeth. It can cause mouth and throat cancer and it wears on your teeth. Another plus from avoiding tobacco is that your mouth will not smell of tobacco. Many people who smoke use gum, candy or strong drinks like coffee to mask the odor. This can cause twice the amount of harm to your teeth.

Drink Alcohol, Soft Drinks and Coffee Sparingly

All of these drinks contain high amounts of phosphorous. Too much phosphorus can lower your level of calcium. This can cause some serious dental hygiene problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Many soft drinks are full of processed ingredients like corn syrup and dyes that can stain your teeth. In general, you should avoid drinking to many beverages that are high in sugar. Choose water whenever possible as a healthy alternative.

Get All Your Nutrients and Minerals

Your teeth need lots of calcium to stay strong. Calcium is vital for your bones as well. You can get calcium from dairy, leafy greens, seafood, legumes and other foods. You also have the option of taking calcium supplements. Vitamin D plays a major role in keeping your gums and teeth healthy as well. Make sure you get adequate amounts of copper, zinc, iron, potassium and vitamin B too. 

Visit the Dentist

You should visit your dentist twice a year for regular maintenance. At these appointments you can get a full cleaning and comprehensive screening for oral problems. The dentist’s office will take x-rays of your mouth to spot any dental issues that need to be addressed.

Use Mouthwash

Using mouthwash along with brushing and flossing can be helpful. Most mouthwashes aren’t very effective. But mouthwash that contains Listerine or chlorine dioxide is. Those substances are able to kill unhealthy bacteria in the mouth. These kinds of mouthwash can help you keep your breath fresh and your teeth healthy. Mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing, flossing, going to the dentist or eating right – but it can augment your overall oral care.

Toothaches and Other Dental Symptoms

If you are experiencing tooth or jaw pain you should make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as you can. Only a dentist can properly diagnose the cause of the problem and correct it before it turns into something far worse and far more expensive.

Consider the Big Picture

Everybody knows that you should take care of your teeth to prevent problems, keep your smile looking great and avoid hefty dental costs. But many don’t know that oral health is important in terms of our overall health. Tooth problems can spread beyond the mouth and lead to serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, viral infections and more. Some of these problems are even deadly. Teeth that are overcrowded can be a risk factor for gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Straight teeth are not just for looks, they function better as well. 

Clean Your Tongue

Don’t forget about your tongue. Using a tongue cleaner can remove bacteria that you don’t want in your mouth. This can help your mouth stay clean and keep bad breath at bay.

The information here is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. If you are interested in speaking with a professional about oral care, contact Total Home Health Inc. today. We can answer your questions and get you started on the right track.