It is important to realize the importance of taking care of your teeth. If you want a healthy mouth and smile that will last you a lifetime, you have to ensure you are engaging in all the necessary steps in keeping your oral health in check. You should practice oral health daily and make it a habit, as well as teach your children to practice healthy oral habits at a young age. Your oral health is linked to your overall health, so you should take it very seriously. If you want to take the steps towards having a healthier mouth and smile, follow these 5 tips.
1. Practice good oral care
You should listen to your dentist when he or she stresses the importance of taking care of your teeth. Practicing good oral care means brushing your teeth at least twice a day as well as flossing at least once a day. The first step to a healthy mouth is following the basic rules of brushing and flossing regularly.
Don’t skip out on flossing, flossing helps to ensure the health of your gums, which after all, help keep your teeth in place. Keep yourself at a lower risk for gum disease by flossing every day. To go the extra mile, you should brush your teeth an additional time if you consumed a sweet or sticky snack.
2. Visit your dentist regularly
It is so important that you visit your Irving dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup to fight plaque and tooth decay. By visiting your dentist regularly, you also help ensure the health of your mouth by enabling your dentist to catch any oral health issues early on before they progress and potentially lead to permanent damage.
3. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Sugar and acid are no friend to your teeth. While foods and drinks that are high in acid break down your tooth’s natural enamel, sugar feeds the bacteria that lead to cavities and tooth decay. Try to avoid foods high in processed sugars, candy, juice, and certain starches. Watch out for hidden sugars too, like in juices and some dried fruit snacks.
4. Quit smoking
While you likely know how bad smoking is for your health in general, you might not realize how bad it is for your oral health. Smoking is the number one cause of mouth and throat cancers, while it also causes a buildup of plaque, yellowing of the teeth, bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. To boost your oral health, and your overall health, make the decision to quit smoking.
5. Dr.ink more water
Dr.inking more water will boost your overall health as well as your oral health. Dr.inking more water helps your body’s natural processes function, such as digestion, which starts in your mouth. It also helps to remove lodged food and particles after consuming a meal.
Following these tips will help ensure a healthier mouth and a healthier you. If you are looking for a trusted and highly recommended family dental practice in Irving, we can help. Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is a trusted and sought-after practice that puts you and your family’s care first. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
