9 Ways to Enhance Your Oral Health

We know that prevention is one of the best ways to care for your mouth and teeth. If you want to enjoy your teeth for the long run, it is important to keep them clean and there are many ways that this can be done. Does your oral health need help? Keep reading as we will be sharing what you can do for your teeth and gums!

Brushing

While brushing may seem like a no brainer, there are many ways of brushing today that weren’t available in the decades past. Brushing your teeth works by mechanically removing and breaking up the bacteria in your mouth. This can be done by using a manual or an electric toothbrush. Studies do show that electric toothbrushes can better remove plaque and bacteria and they also add convenience timers so that you know that you have brushed enough. 

Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush as they effectively remove plaque without being too abrasive on your teeth or gum tissue. 

Flossing

Does wrapping floss around your fingers feel really challenging? Today, there are many gadgets available that can make flossing a breeze. Floss holders can help get those hard to reach areas in the back of your mouth with ease. Floss threaders are amazing for helping to get between and around braces brackets.

Breaking up bacteria between your teeth is super important for gum and tooth health. Don’t skip this step!

Food And Drink Consumption

There is some truth to “you are what you eat.” Diets that are heavy on sugar and unhealthy fats, don’t do much to help boost your overall health or your dental health. As a matter of fact, they often cause the opposite effect. 

Here are some food and drink options that are better for your teeth:

• Fruits
• Vegetables 
• Unsweetened dairy products
• Oatmeal
• Water
• Unsweetened tea

Visiting Your Dentist Twice A Year

Routine dental cleanings and dental exams are important for your overall oral health. At your dental visits, your dentist and dental hygienist are evaluating the health of your gum tissue, checking for cavities, and screening for any signs of oral cancer. Catching any dental problems in their earliest stages is best for the long term health of your teeth.

Fluoride Products 

Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth. Using over-the-counter toothpastes and mouthrinses with fluoride can be very beneficial to your teeth. Also, receiving fluoride varnish treatments at our office is another way to boost the health of your teeth. 

Drink Lots Of Water

Water has been shown to greatly improve your saliva in the mouth and also help reduce inflammation through your body. When it comes to getting enough water, a good goal is to try to drink half your body weight in ounces per day. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should try to drink 70 ounces of water per day. 

Hold The Brushing For 30 Minutes

If you have had something acidic to drink such as orange juice, it can be best to wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Brushing immediately after drinking something acidic can actually create more wear on your teeth if done on a consistent basis. 

Chew Gum After Eating

If you don’t have the opportunity to brush after a meal, it can be beneficial to chew gum afterwards. Gum can help by cleaning off your teeth but it also increases your salivary flow. Make sure to chew sugar-free gum though as the habit of chewing sugary gum could lead to more cavities.

Limit Snacks And Sips

Frequent snacking and lingering sipping of drinks (other than water) can lead to cavities. It can be a good idea to keep the fun beverages to meal times since you are already exposing your teeth to food at that time. In between meals, we suggest sticking with water as this will help to keep your mouth cleaner.

Forming good oral habits that you carry throughout your day can make a big difference in your oral health. Do you have anything that you would add to this list? If so, please leave your tips in the comments below!