Nothing is more important than your health – not work, not school, not hobbies, or anything else. Good oral health is key to overall well-being, and studies have shown that poor oral health can lead to health problems such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and oral cancer. Regular visits to your dentist can help you maintain a healthy mouth and can also detect serious health problems early.
It’s never too late to improve your oral hygiene habits. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Brush your teeth regularly
Brushing your teeth regularly can prevent dental issues from developing and can keep your smile looking beautiful. Brushing at least twice a day can help remove plaque from your teeth, which can contribute to the development of gum disease. Plaque buildup can also lead to cavities, so it is important to remove plaque from your teeth. In addition to removing plaque, brushing your teeth regularly can also help brighten and whiten your smile.
- Floss every day
After brushing, you should floss your teeth. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If you don’t floss, the bacteria can lead to cavities and gum disease. Flossing is best done at night, before bed.
- Visit your dentist regularly
Your dentist can provide regular cleanings, teeth cleanings, and preventive exams. These appointments are imperative to your oral health. During your dental cleanings, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, thus helping prevent the majority of dental diseases.
- Avoid tobacco products and alcohol
Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, contain nicotine, which decreases blood circulation and restricts saliva production. This can increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Alcohol can also increase your risk of cavities. Drinking red wine, for example, can erode the enamel on your teeth.
- Avoiding teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common oral health issue that can cause a number of dental problems. Most patients who suffer from bruxism don’t realize that they grind their teeth. However, if you regularly wake up with sore teeth or a headache, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep.
Teeth grinding often happens while a person is sleeping. So, if you have the habit of bruxism, request your dentist for a mouthguard.
- Eating a healthy diet
In addition to brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly, following a balanced diet will also help keep your teeth healthy. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies is important because they have lots of vitamins and minerals. Since plaque can be acidic, eating foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, like milk, can help protect teeth from decay. Calcium can also strengthen teeth. Cheese, yogurt, and milk all contain calcium.
Learn more tips to improve your oral health by calling us at (832) 939-9999 or emailing us at info@sweetwaterdentalstudio.com. Visit us in Sweetwater Dental Studio at 4840 Sweetwater Blvd suite A, Sugar Land, TX 77479.