The mouth has an important role to play in your overall wellness. Not only is it the entry point for food and many airborne particles, but the mouth is also one of the first lines of defense against infection and digestive problems. The teeth, gums, and saliva your mouth produces begin the digestion process and protect your body against toxins, acids, and certain kinds of disease. That’s why it’s so important to keep your mouth healthy on a daily basis. Here are our top ten tips for doing just that.
1. Brush Regularly
Starting from childhood, dentists and doctors recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Plaque buildup can lead to serious mouth issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which can also be gateways for other diseases, so remember to practice correct brushing techniques as instructed by your dentist.
2. Floss Regularly
One part of oral care that many people routinely neglect is flossing. Flossing doesn’t just help remove food particles that are stuck between your teeth—it also helps get rid of plaque in places your toothbrush might have missed, stimulates the gums, and reduces inflammation that can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis.
3. Consider Using Mouthwash
Using mouthwash as the final step of your mouth cleaning process is also a step that people often forget about. Mouthwash helps your mouth in a few ways: it cleanses places in your mouth that neither toothpaste nor floss could reach, remineralizes your teeth, and helps saliva cancel out the effects of excess acid in the mouth.
4. Drink More Water
Water is the best beverage to drink on a daily basis for your body’s health—and that includes your oral health. It hydrates the mouth, balances out the chemicals and bacteria levels inside it, and helps wash away food particles, plaque, and leftover sugars and acids.
5. Eat Crunchy and Fiber-Rich Foods
Fresh fruits and green vegetables are known for their ability to get the jaw working as it chews them. This is a good thing because the fiber in these foods helps scrub and clean the teeth and gums.
6. Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking
If you regularly consume alcohol or tobacco products, you could be doing severe amounts of damage to your teeth and gums. The fermented sugars in alcohol can cling to teeth and gums and break down their defenses, while the tar and other chemicals in tobacco products settle onto your teeth and gums and can lead to early-onset tooth decay and gum disease.
7. Limit Sugary Drinks and Sweets
Sodas and candy may be delicious treats, but consuming too much of them can negatively impact the health of your teeth and gums. Sugar turns into acid in the mouth and deposits in many places, where it can break down the protective layers on your teeth and cause cavities and gum disease.
8. Manage Other Health Conditions
Just as mouth health can affect other parts of your body, so can the overall health of your body affect your mouth health. Conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis can weaken the gums and make teeth fragile and brittle, so it’s important to take all necessary medicine and follow your doctor’s orders.
9. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Toothbrushes eventually wear out, so you’ll need to replace them every month or few months to ensure that you get the most out of your daily brushing. Also, always replace your toothbrush after recovering from sickness, as the germs of your sickness are likely to still be on the toothbrush.
10. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting the dentist at least once a year can do wonders for your mouth health. Your dentist or dental hygienist can clean off residual plaque, perform procedures to protect your teeth against cavities, and take scans of your teeth that can help you be aware of their health.
If you need help finding a dentist who will take good care of your teeth, contact us at Community Access Network today!
