How Can You Maintain Good Oral Health At Home?

Oral health refers to the health of the mouth and teeth. Maintaining good oral health is important not only for a healthy-looking smile but also to prevent other health issues.

Our body depends on good oral health for a number of important functions. The health of our teeth, gums, and tongue allows us to chew and break down food into digestible pieces to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and bacteria can grow in the mouth. This can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other serious health issues. Dental problems can cause pain, loss of function, inflammation, and infections.

Here are simple ways to take care of your oral health:

Brushing

One of the most important things you can do at home to maintain good oral health is to brush. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and after each meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush that has rounded bristles. This will help to remove food particles from your teeth. You should brush along the gum line using small, circular motions. You should spend about two minutes brushing your teeth.

It is also important to brush your tongue. This helps remove bacteria and food particles.

Flossing

Flossing is step one in your daily oral care routine. Flossing gets out plaque and bacteria from between teeth that brushing can’t reach.

Getting out that plaque helps to prevent gum disease.

Flossing once a day is recommended.

Rinsing

Remember to rinse your mouth with water after each meal and snack. This helps to remove any food that may damage your teeth. Rinsing with water is also beneficial because it washes away bacteria that might stick to your teeth.

Rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth is a great way to remove any leftover food particles, as well as bacteria, from your mouth.

Avoiding Tobacco Products

Tobacco products affect your oral and overall health. Cigarette smoking increases your risk for oral cancer and gum disease. Smoking also affects the health of your gums and teeth. It can cause wounds in your gums that may lead to gum disease. Cigarette smoking can also stain your teeth.

If you are a smoker, talk to your dentist about ways to help you quit. You and your doctor can discuss quitting aids, such as gum, patches, or medication.

Controlling Your Diet

Most dentists will agree that maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most important things an individual can do for their overall health and well-being. As such, it’s wise to be mindful of what you put into your body. When considering the healthiest foods for your teeth, make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables. These foods help to boost your immune system and are full of vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function well on a daily basis. Plus, these foods are high in water content, so they’ll help to keep your mouth clean throughout the day.

When looking to balance your diet, it’s also wise to consider avoiding certain foods that are high in sugar. These foods can also contribute to tooth decay, so it’s best to avoid consuming them whenever possible. When consuming sugary or acidic foods, make sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to ensure that your smile remains healthy.

Using Mouthwash

In addition to flossing daily, mouthwash is another important tool in the fight against plaque and tartar. Mouthwash is able to kill bacteria and break up biofilm, which are the two main causes of tooth decay. It can also reduce inflammation in your gums.

Reducing Your Stress

Reducing stress is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Stress affects your body in many ways, including your dental health. When your body is under stress, you may experience symptoms such as the dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, bacteria can flourish as saliva levels dip.

Wearing a mouthguard when you play sports helps prevent dental injuries and reduces teeth grinding while you are sleeping. If you grind your teeth while you are sleeping, talk to your dentist about what you can do to reduce the chances of damaging your teeth.

Regular Dental Visits

At your dental checkups, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of oral health issues. By coming in for routine care, your dentist can prevent most oral health issues from developing in the first place.

If you have any questions about oral health, call us at (281) 972-4747 and schedule an appointment with our dentist. We’ll be happy to help you further.