10 Best Practices for Good Oral Health

Good oral health from keeping teeth and gums healthy and is a sign of overall health and well-being. Good oral health is maintained by keeping the mouth clean. It requires keeping the health of teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system intact. 

To achieve good oral health, one needs to take proper measures and, in some cases, where necessary, adequate treatment. You can avoid tooth decay or gum problems with such steps, leading to malnutrition, speech problems, and other related challenges. No one loves the dentist’s chair, but taking care of your teeth and gums doesn’t have to be a chore. For those who have served our country, exploring veteran dental care options and understanding their specific needs can be a significant factor in maintaining overall well-being.

Practices for Better Oral Health

If you want to ensure good oral health, you need to take the necessary steps. You can take these steps at home, but in extreme cases, you can take help from dental clinics for proper treatment. Following are some of the best practices that can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy: 

Seeing a Dentist

Experts suggest seeing a dentist every six months for a checkup. This routine checkup involves cleaning of teeth and removal of plaque. Visiting a professional dentist would ensure good oral hygiene and help you prevent diseases such as mouth ulcers, trench mouth, etc. Dental problems should not be taken lightly and must be referred to your dentists to avoid significant dental health damage.

You should see a professional dentist at least twice a year. A family dentist provides you with the best professional treatments and procedures for cleaning and caring for your gums and teeth. Their treatments involve:

• Dental implants
• White crowns
• Root canal
• Teeth whitening
• Natural dentures

You can consult your dentist about how often you need a checkup as it varies from person to person. However, if you notice changes in the mouth or the home-based practices are not helping, it is better to see a professional dentist. 

Regular Brushing

One of the most recommended practices for good oral health is to brush regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day is a practice dentists stress the most. It helps remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth, keeping it clean. However, it is effective only when done with the correct technique. 

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

According to experts, fluoride helps prevent cavities and is a leading defense against tooth decay. Fluoride fights the germs while providing a protective barrier for your teeth. In addition, it can help you maintain good dental health by strengthening the tooth enamel. Hence, using fluoride toothpaste is always recommended. You may also drink fluoridated water to protect your teeth from decay.

Floss daily

Flossing is equally important as brushing. It helps clean and remove the food stuck where a toothbrush cannot reach easily, under the gum line, and between your teeth. As a result, it prevents bacteria and mouth decay. In addition, flossing daily can help you get rid of bad breath.  

Although flossing is difficult, especially for children and older people, it should be done with the correct technique to avoid any pain or discomfort.

Use Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash and brushing is an excellent combination to fight germs and maintain good oral hygiene. In addition, some studies indicate that mouthwash containing chlorhexidine helps control plaque and gingivitis. Mouthwash is not an alternative to brushing and flossing, but it can complement these practices. 

Quit smoking

Smoking is injurious to health, harms the body’s immune system, and affects oral hygiene. In addition, experts consider it a risk factor for gum diseases which slows down healing after a dental procedure. Smoking also causes bad breath and leads to the yellowing of teeth and tongue. Quitting smoking can help you improve your physical health and dental hygiene.

Drink more water

Acidity in your stomach can cause a bacterial layer to form on your tongue, giving you bad breath and yellow teeth. Water is the best beverage for your overall health, including your oral health. Increasing your intake of water can solve this problem. Moreover, try to reduce the usage of sugar-sweetened beverages. Since water contains no sugar, it helps digest the food you eat better and leaves no way for bacteria. Water also dilutes any acid that might harm your enamel.

Keep a check on your diet

Try to limit sugar and acidic foods in your diet. Several studies show the role that sugar plays in adverse oral health outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends cutting down your sugar intake by 10%. Lowering the sugar intake would further reduce the risk of cavities and other oral problems.

Eat Crisp fruits and vegetables

Eating crisp fruits and vegetables can help clean plaque and prevent bad breath by freshening the breath. In addition, they contain antioxidant vitamins that help protect gums. Vitamin C is excellent for teeth and gums as it helps keep the teeth and gums strong and intact.

Consult a doctor for medication

If your medication is causing dry mouth, consult your doctor and get yourself a different medication that may not cause such a situation. Taking expert advice is the best thing to do when it comes to health issues. So, one must consult a doctor for a change of medication if it causes oral problems.

Conclusion

Health is wealth. Practicing good dental care can help you keep your gums and teeth strong and healthy. Brushing daily, flossing your teeth, drinking lots of water, and eating fruits and vegetables will improve your oral and physical health. In addition, educating yourself on what goes into your body can significantly affect how you feel and perform at home and work. You can do this by following medical platforms online or staying in touch with your care providers. 

As the experts recommend, you should also see a dentist at least twice a year. It will help you maintain good oral health. Without proper treatment, dental problems can lead to tooth decay. This might cause malnutrition, speech problems, and loss of self-confidence. You can prevent such problems by taking proper care of your oral health at home and at the dentist’s office.