5 Tips for Better Oral Hygiene in 2023 | Shady Spring Dental Care
Who wouldn't want a smile that's both healthy and stunning?
While everyone wants a brighter smile, many people often find it difficult to maintain good oral health. Keeping up with your dental hygiene is essential when it comes to your overall well-being and quality of life.
However, do you know that with just a few simple practices, you can keep your smile forever and extend the lifespan of your teeth and gums more than the average person? Our Shady Spring dentists have outlined their five top tips for great oral hygiene for our patients in Shady Spring and Lochgelly, WV that can significantly improve your oral health and keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy for decades.
Why is Oral Health So Important?
You may not realize it, but your oral health affects multiple aspects of your daily life: eating, speaking, smiling, and showing emotions are just a few that come to mind. This means that poor oral health can negatively impact your self-confidence, quality of life, and overall health.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to various oral diseases that cause pain and disabilities, significantly impacting our well-being. And sadly, poor oral health is closely linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, making it crucial for maintaining good general health.
Knowing how to improve your oral health and avoid habits that could impact your oral health is essential. Here are some basic tips to put you on the right track toward better dental health.
Tips to Improve Your Oral Health This Year
We've established why good oral hygiene is so crucial; now, let's look at five strategies you can follow to achieve better oral health this year.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Achieving a healthy mouth starts with practicing good oral hygiene. Incorporate the following habits into your daily routine for better oral hygiene:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Clean your tongue while brushing to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
- Make mouthwash a regular part of your dental care routine.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily to kill bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.
- Swap out your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if you notice the bristles starting to fray.
Remember to schedule routine checkups and professional dental cleanings to detect potential problems early on and keep your oral health in shape.
Eat a Healthier Diet
A healthy diet is good not only for your body but also for your teeth and gums.
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains can give your mouth essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for stronger teeth and healthier gums. A healthy diet can also neutralize acids in your mouth that erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities.
Also, remember that more saliva means better acid neutralization. So, drink enough water throughout the day to help wash away food particles and stimulate saliva production.
Quit Smoking!
If you're a fan of smoking and other tobacco products, just know that they're not only bad for your general health, but they’re also particularly bad when it comes to your oral health.
Smoking is a one-way ticket to bad breath, stained teeth, and an increased risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products is one of the best ways to protect your oral health and reduce the risk of the above issues.
Avoid Teeth-staining Foods & Products
Certain foods and drinks can cause teeth staining and discoloration, including coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries. Tobacco and some mouthwashes are also in this category, as they leave a lot of residues.
You might not entirely avoid these products, but you can lessen their blow by consuming them in moderation and brushing your teeth after eating or taking them. Regular cleanings at the dentist's office can also help remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking their best.
Don't Use Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open packages, bite your nails, or remove bottle caps can cause significant damage to your teeth. Biting off more than you can chew can lead to a dental catastrophe, leaving you with a broken smile and a sore jaw. It's best to leave the task of cutting to scissors or other appropriate tools to avoid potential damage. By doing this, you can save your smile and your wallet.
Improve Your Oral Health at Your Trusted Dentist in Shady Spring
Take charge of your oral health today by following the tips we’ve listed above and by scheduling a visit with your trusted dentists in Shady Spring and Lochgelly, WV.
Experience exceptional dental care and achieve optimal oral health with our dedicated team of dental professionals. We are committed to providing you with the most care and personalized attention.
Transform your smile and enhance your smile confidence by booking your appointment today. Don't wait any longer to start your journey toward a healthier, happier you.