How Can You Maintain Good Oral Health At Home?

Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. Even though you can’t see it, it’s full of bacteria, which are harmful. Keeping your oral health in good condition will help reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent the spread of disease to the rest of your body.

Here are some easy ways to keep your mouth healthy:

Brushing and Flossing Regularly

It’s easy to forget that your oral health is directly connected to your overall health. Oral bacteria can enter your body through your gums, and that can lead to issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia in older people.

Brushing and flossing regularly can help you maintain good oral health at home. You should also make sure that you visit your dentist regularly, or as advised by your dentist.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco greatly increases your risk of developing gum disease. That’s because smoking increases plaque buildup decreases blood flow to your gums, and weakens your immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight infections in your mouth.

Avoiding Chewing on Hard Objects

Your teeth have microscopic pits and fissures that can easily trap food particles. If you continuously chew on hard objects, such as ice, pens, pencils, or fingernails, you run the risk of damaging your teeth.

Eating a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can keep your teeth and gums healthy. By eating nutritious food, you will give your body the nutrients it needs to stay strong. Plus, eating fruits and vegetables can help you maintain healthy levels of vitamin C, which aids in keeping gums healthy. Water can also help keep your mouth clean because it can help rinse away food particles and bacteria.

In addition to a healthy diet, you need to maintain good personal oral care habits. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time, floss daily, and be sure to use mouthwash.

Using Supplemental Fluoride

The fluoride in your drinking water is an added benefit that can help keep your teeth strong. However, this isn’t always enough. This is why you may also want to consider using a fluoride mouthwash.

Fluoride mouthwashes can help you maintain your oral health by protecting the enamel. When fluoride is present, bacteria can’t use it to make acid. Acid is harmful to the enamel, so using fluoride mouthwash can help protect your teeth.

Avoiding Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, so it’s important to limit your intake. This includes sugary sodas, fruit juices, and candy. When you eat or drink something with sugar, try to eat a meal or snack with protein and fat soon afterward. These foods help to slow the breakdown of sugars in your mouth.

Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups

Your dentist can recommend how often you should be coming in for preventive dental care. Usually, it’s recommended to come in for a checkup and cleaning every six months. 

Visiting the dentist regularly is critical for your oral health. Regular dental visits give your dentist the opportunity to spot any issues early before they become big problems. Your dentist will also clean your teeth, removing any plaque or tartar buildup.

We request you schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (435) 713-0096 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.