Smile- Those pearly whites look good on you!
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A healthy and fresh mouth feels good. It makes you want to talk and smile more. Did you know practicing good oral hygiene is easy? Yes, it is! Not only is it easy to do, but there are many benefits to taking care of your teeth. Just like taking care of your body, taking care of your teeth for optimal dental health is important.
Connection Between Dental Health and Overall Health
There’s a real connection between dental health and overall health. Some diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are linked to how well you care for your teeth and gums. When you take good care of your mouth, your entire body reaps the benefits.
A healthy mouth gives you more confidence and makes you want to show off your teeth. Good dental hygiene is a habit that should be formed early, in order to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis otherwise known as gum disease.
Children and Their Teeth
It is recommended that children should start seeing the dentist as soon as they develop their teeth. Seeing the dentist at a young age helps children form a routine, and get familiar with going to the dentist. At a young age, visiting the dentist teaches children the importance of brushing to prevent cavities. Did you know that keeping your teeth and gums healthy can prevent gum disease?
Gingivitis is not a good thing- it’s a gum disease that makes your breath smell, and makes your gums red, sore, bloody, and swollen. Gross, right? Gums that have pulled away from your teeth, known as a receding gum-line are another sign of gum disease. This can actually be prevented by fighting off bacteria before the plaque forms on your gums and builds up to the point that it’s too late. That’s when gum disease starts to cause problems. The good news is that keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy is an easy habit to form.
These 3 Fresh tips for optimal dental health will help you create a good dental hygiene routine and help prevent cavities and gum disease.
1. Limit Sugar
High sugar foods, candy, and sugary drinks can all cause cavities. Reducing or limiting these high-sugar foods and drinks from your diet will help prevent cavities. Sugar and starch, as well as acidic foods, can wear away at your tooth enamel, and cause plaque, which can lead to gum disease. Some people can be cavity-prone due to the genetic makeup of their oral health history. However, frequent snacking without brushing in between, or not brushing at all after eating high-sugar foods can increase your risk of cavities. If you are on a first-name basis with your dentist, you may be seeing them too often!
2. Get Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Did you know taking good care of your teeth by getting regular cleanings and checkups can save you money? When you keep cavities and gum disease under control, you can save money on costly dental work such as fillings, root canals, extractions, or crowns. Visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups. If you’re at higher risk for cavities, or gum disease, you may want to schedule your dental cleanings every three months. Preventive care is key. Just like you see the doctor for a routine physical, it’s important to also see the dentist for your dental health.
3. Brush, Floss, and Fluoride
Brushing
Have you ever gone to bed without brushing your teeth? Well, it’s not good. Your dentist may tell you that if you accidentally forget to brush your teeth in the morning, it’s okay, but do not go to bed without brushing your teeth. Think of all that food you ate that is left on your teeth all day. Brushing your teeth at night helps get rid of all the germs accumulated from the day. It’s recommended that you should brush your teeth twice per day and between snacking. If you are in a rush, make sure you have a travel toothbrush and toothpaste for on-the-go brushing. And if you happen to miss brushing in the morning, it’s important that you don’t forget at night.
Have you ever brushed your teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush? It is not recommended, as it can make your gums bleed and make your gums recede from your teeth. It’s important to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce gum irritation. Brushing two times a day and after meals and snacks with fluoride toothpaste will help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
If you have an electric toothbrush, that works best for removing stains and gunk off your teeth. Did you know the way that you brush your teeth is equally as important as brushing them? This is true. If you are brushing incorrectly, it’s almost as if you didn’t brush your teeth at all. There’s a technique. It’s brushing slowly and gently in a circular motion to remove the tartar, making sure that you get in-between, inside, and behind the teeth. The key is to remove the plaque before it hardens and turns into tartar or dental calculus, which causes gum disease. Brushing your tongue is equally important. When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well. It helps get rid of build-up on your tongue that can lead to bad breath.
Fluoride
Fluoride is an important part of preventing tooth decay, especially in children. Did you know that it’s the leading defense against cavities? Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and protects the surface of the teeth from acid. It works by fighting off the germs that lead to tooth decay. It also provides a protective barrier for your teeth. You may find fluoride in some foods, as well as your drinking water in some places. There are also fluoride rinses and toothpaste that you can buy to help protect your teeth. Some dentists will apply a protective shield called a sealant to children’s back teeth or adult molars where cavities form.
Flossing
Floss every day, at least once a day. There are floss picks or ready-to-use dental flossers that you can keep in your car, or in your bathroom for quick use. However, flossing with regular floss is highly recommended to really get in between the teeth and gums. Flossing your teeth stimulates your gums. If they bleed a lot from flossing, it’s okay. Do not stop flossing altogether, as flossing helps reduce plaque and inflammation. Your gums will become stronger from floss stimulation.
Mouthwash
Another thing to consider for cavity prevention is a mouthwash. A good oral rinse can clean hard-to-brush areas around the teeth.
Finally
Oral health is important and good dental hygiene can help prevent gum disease. Taking care of your teeth can start at home. Remember to eat foods that don’t stick to your teeth, and avoid or limit high-sugar foods and drinks. Also, if you eat acidic foods or drink coffee, which can stain your teeth, make sure to brush right after to avoid staining and enamel deterioration. Brush, floss, fluoride, and regular checkups will ensure your teeth stay fresh and healthy!
