New Habits to Implement for Oral Health

Adjusting our eating habits can make all the difference in keeping our teeth clean and maintaining oral health. One of the easiest things to do is rinse after eating meals, which helps dislodge excess food that cakes itself around your teeth. The food fragments attract bacteria, and the buildup in your mouth can do serious damage, so a gentle rinse between meals helps flush food out of your teeth and into your belly where it belongs. Did we mention to drink more water?

In addition to flushing bacteria causing food particles out of your mouth, water is just good for your overall health. Along those lines, whenever you're drinking non-water liquids try drinking with a straw. especially if you're a fan of sugary beverages. When you enjoy your favorite beverage the straw is a great way to keep liquids from coating your teeth with sugar. Similarly the next steps aim to reduce sugar in your mouth that otherwise combines with plaque bacteria to produce acids and attack your enamel. When you avoid sticky candy you protect yourself from broken teeth and weakened enamel, which is the hard surface of your teeth. Chew sugar-free gum as a substitute.

Cleaning Your Teeth on the Daily

Now to the stuff you've probably heard before (we hope)! Brushing your teeth twice daily is the age old advice that only gets better with time. Why? Because it ensures the removal of 60% of the damaging plaque on your teeth and stimulates your gums to keep your mouth healthy and prevent gum disease. But don't stop there because flossing once everyday is equally important, as up to 40% of the area around your teeth may remain uncleaned by brushing alone. That's right, flossing is essential because it dislodges plaque in between the teeth where the toothbrush can't reach. When you follow this one-two punch with mouthwash, you're effectively fighting plaque buildup anywhere in your mouth, which reduces cavities and helps prevent receding gums, gingivitis, dry mouth, and bad breath!

Finally, make sure you're seeing your dentist for regular 6-month checkups and to report any tooth pain or bleeding of the gums or teeth. We can't emphasize enough how important it is to see your dentist regularly because this stops the tide of insidious bacteria buildup that is the beginning of so many issues including cavities, gum disease, and sickness.

Regular Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings

Regular teeth cleaning with a dentist is an important rhythm to establish in your life. When you have a 6-month oral health exam on the regular, you're far less likely to develop cavities, gum disease, harmful microbial plaque and dental biofilm buildup. Removing tartar and plaque from your teeth with a small mirror and a scaler is the dental hygienist's expertise along with cleaning and removing plaque in-and-around your teeth. Once completed your teeth are ready to be polished and flossed followed by a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a protectant that coats your teeth and helps them fight against cavities for extended months after your visit. And now the best part, it's time to see your dentist! Your dentist is a doctor, whose specialty is your teeth and oral health, and it's essential that your dentist observe your mouth regularly not only to solve problems but to prevent them. A great dentist gets to know their patients and tracks each person's oral health history over months and years to ensure prevention, protection and proactive treatment of your teeth and gums!