If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to follow good oral hygiene practices. Essential things you need to do include flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. You also need to get regular dental checkups.
Oral hygiene is not just for whiter teeth and fresher breath. Cosmetic issues can be solved by South Jordan cosmetic dentistry, but there are other perks as well. According to the American Dental Association, an improvement in oral health leads to better health overall. However, many people all over the world do not practice basic oral hygiene.
Gum problems and tooth decay, if left untreated, can cause acute pain, infection, tooth loss, and loss of self-confidence. These problems, in turn, can snowball into speech difficulties, undernutrition, and lower productivity. Your everyday life will be affected.
Proper oral hygiene and dental care can help solve these problems. Here are a few pointers for keeping your teeth and gums healthy:
1. Avoid sugary drinks
There’s an epidemic of sugar in America, and the main culprit is sweet and sugary beverages. Regular intake of sugary drinks such as tea, juice, and soda can lead to an increase in cavities.
If possible, only drink unsweetened beverages or drinking water throughout the days. Limit your intake of sugary drinks or look for sugar-free alternatives such as diet soda.
2. Use mouthwash
Some dentists say that mouthwash provides a lot of benefits to oral health. Some commercial mouthwashes have antibacterial properties, helping control plaque formation and killing harmful bacteria.
Ask your dental professional for the best mouthwash for your needs. Mouthwash use should be used in conjunction with regular flossing and brushing.
3. Stop smoking
Research has shown that smoking impairs your body’s immune system, which makes it more difficult for your body to heal after an injury, including oral ones. Smoking has been identified as a risk factor for gum disease, and smokers might heal more slowly after a dental procedure.
Regular smoking also has a deleterious effect on the appearance of your mouth, gums, and teeth. Smokers can experience yellowing of the teeth, darkening of the mouth, and a putrid mouth odor.
4. Go for a regular checkup
Most dentists recommend that people go for a checkup every six months. The dentist will check your oral cavity for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other common problems. For severe issues, a dental X-ray can also be required.
Apart from examining your teeth and gums, the dentist will also clean the teeth and remove tartar and plaque buildup. If you practice good dental hygiene, you might be able to skip the occasional checkup. But people with poor or high-risk practices should visit more frequently.
5. Floss every day
Brushing isn’t enough; you also have to floss your teeth. Flossing dislodges food and debris stuck between the teeth, preventing the formation of bad odor. It also removes plaque and bacteria in places the brush bristles cannot reach.
By following these five simple steps, you can help keep your gums and teeth healthy inside and out. Avoiding sugar, not smoking, and having regular checkups go a long way in preventing cavities and other mouth diseases.
