Seven Oral Health Tips You Should Follow
According to a recent Delta Dental study, 31% of Americans admitted to not brushing their teeth twice a day, while 2% not brushing at all. The American Dental Association (ADA) has created a well-defined oral care routine that anyone can follow to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Throughout our upbringing, our parents reminded us about the significance of brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist every six months for teeth cleaning. Although it’s easy to forget about basic oral health habits but the consequences of neglecting your teeth can be serious.
However, it is never too late to recommit to these standards and aim for a healthier, brighter smile. Read on to learn seven essential oral health tips that you should adhere to maintain a beautiful smile and good dental health.
1. Consider Dental Procedures
Professional dental procedures play an essential role in maintaining the health of your oral cavity. Some of the most effective treatments include:
- Braces for Correcting Teeth Alignment
Braces are used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They apply moderate pressure to the teeth over time, gently shifting them into their right positions. It not only improves your smile but also assists in treating various dental conditions, such as gaps, crowded teeth, overbites, and underbites.
If you’re struggling with the misalignment of your teeth, consider braces to gain the picture-perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. The average cost of adult braces is $1,200–$6,500; however, the cost may vary depending on your specific oral condition and preference for braces types.
- Gum Disease Treatments
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a prevalent oral health issue that impacts the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other associated health complications. Various treatments are available to address this condition and prevent further damage:
- Scaling
- Root planing
- Laser therapy
- Surgical intervention
Early detection and treatment are critical for properly controlling gum disease.
- Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is required to preserve a tooth when the pulp gets swollen or inflamed due to extensive decay or trauma. The infected pulp is removed during this surgery, and the tooth’s interior is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. Root canal therapy prevents infection from spreading and lets you keep your original tooth, avoiding extraction.
2. Brush Your Teeth Daily
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for maintaining oral wellness. This easy but important practice is vital for eliminating plaque, germs, and food particles that collect on the teeth and gums during the day.
Brushing your teeth after breakfast and before night can significantly lower your chances of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, which helps build tooth enamel and prevents decay, is essential. Brush gently in circular strokes, covering all tooth surfaces, especially the back and tongue side.
3. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash, often known as a mouth rinse, supplements regular brushing and flossing by reaching regions that a toothbrush or floss alone may find difficult to access.
This liquid oral care solution has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities that aid in reducing plaque and germs in the mouth, resulting in fresher breath and healthier gums.
By neutralizing odor-causing molecules, mouthwash also assists in regulating bad breath, often known as halitosis. People with sensitive gums or a history of dry mouth should use an alcohol-free mouthwash to minimize possible irritation.
4. Floss Regularly
Brushing eliminates plaque and debris from the exteriors of your teeth, but flossing reaches the areas between them that toothbrush bristles cannot.
These interdental spaces are prone to collecting food particles and bacteria, resulting in plaque buildup and the possibility of gum disease or cavities. You can efficiently remove these buried particles by including flossing into your daily practice, lowering the risk of dental health disorders and encouraging healthy gums.
5. Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
Sports or activities with a high risk of impact or collision can be dangerous to your teeth and mouth.
A mouthguard works as a cushion, buffering and dispersing the impact of hits that would otherwise result in chipped, fractured, or knocked-out teeth. It also acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, protecting the lips, tongue, and cheeks from injury.
Custom-fit mouthguards made by dentists give the finest protection since they are precisely molded to suit your teeth and provide optimal comfort and stability.
A mouthguard allows players to confidently participate in their favorite sports, knowing that their smiles are protected from any oral injuries and that they may avoid costly and unpleasant dental treatments.
6. Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco is extremely dangerous to the mouth and teeth. Smoking discolors teeth and leads to foul breath, while smokeless tobacco can aggravate the gums, causing them to recede and ultimately leading to gum disease. Tobacco use also dramatically raises the incidence of oral cancers, such as those of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health. By quitting smoking, you not only safeguard your teeth and gums but also lower your chance of getting a variety of life-threatening conditions.
Moreover, seeking help from healthcare experts, support groups, or cessation programs can give the resources and encouragement needed to effectively quit smoking, resulting in a healthier and brighter smile and an improved overall quality of life.
7. Get Dental Check-ups Regularly
Regular dental appointments are critical in the early diagnosis and prevention of dental problems. During these check-ups, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for symptoms of cavities or other dental concerns.
Early detection allows for timely action and treatment, preventing small concerns from progressing into larger and more expensive problems. Furthermore, during these appointments, dentists can give expert cleanings to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be properly handled by regular brushing and flossing alone.
Conclusion
Taking care of your dental health should never be undervalued or taken for granted. By following the seven tips above, you can empower yourself to keep a bright smile and enhance your general well-being. Regular brushing, flossing, dental procedures, and dental check-ups protect your teeth and gums from possible diseases. Remember that maintaining good dental health is a lifelong commitment, and these expert-backed tips are here to help you. So, accept them enthusiastically, incorporate them into your daily routine, and watch the difference they make in your smile and confidence!
