A healthy mouth is more important than you might think. Consider everything you expect your mouth to do each day. You use your mouth to eat, to smile, to speak, and more. Poor oral health can affect all of these things. Good oral health isn’t hard to achieve but it does take discipline.
11 ways to keep your mouth and teeth healthy:
- Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth – It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
- Brush properly – The way you brush is equally important. In fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque.
- Don’t neglect your tongue – Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odour, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste – While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
- Treat flossing as important as brushing – Using floss is essential to clean between teeth and remove plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you – Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.
- Consider mouthwash – Mouthwash helps to reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralise the teeth.
- Drink more water – Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health, including oral health. Drinking water after every meal can help to wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables – Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fibre, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods – Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.
- See your dentist at least twice a year – Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year.
Source: healthline
