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9 Easy Ways to Improve Your Oral Health

By in Preventive Dentistry 0

oral-health Our mouth is home to over 700 kinds of bacteria that can cause problems like tooth decay and bad breath. The only way to get rid of these bacteria is to practice healthy oral hygiene.

This will not only help prevent tooth decay and bad breath but can also keep your teeth shining and white.

Luckily there are several at-home remedies and other tricks you can do to ensure your oral hygiene is in tip-top shape. Below are nine easy ways you can improve your oral health.

1. Consult Your Dentist

The first step toward improving your dental health is to see your dentist in Frisco regularly. You should visit your dentist for a dental checkup and/or cleaning at least twice a year, even if you do not have visible dental issues.

This is important because many dental issues are hidden and can only be seen with the help of an x-ray or inspection.

2. Use a Fluoride Rich Toothpaste

Fluoride helps keep the enamel on your teeth strong by speeding up the process of remineralization.

The best way to get fluoride is to use a fluoride-rich toothpaste. There are many available on the market, or you can ask your dentist for a recommendation.

3. Wear Sealants

This may sound like an odd idea to some, but sealants can be a good option to protect your teeth against tooth decay.

They are fitted at the back of your teeth and don’t cause any discomfort. They typically last for 10 years and are more popular among children.

4. Brush Your Teeth Correctly

Brushing your teeth the right way can greatly improve your overall oral health. It’s best to choose a flexible toothbrush that can reach to the far end of the mouth and has soft bristles. A brush with rough bristles will damage your gums and could even cause them to swell.

You may also opt for an electric toothbrush. It requires less effort and does the job well. However, remember that the brushing technique is more important than the product used.

5. Floss Daily

Flossing is different than brushing, but still an important component to your oral health routine It involves cleaning the plaque in between the teeth which can’t be cleaned with just brushing. Leftover plaque weakens the teeth, steals their whiteness, and also causes tooth decay and other oral problems like gingivitis.

Here’s the best way to floss: Take 18-24 inches of floss and make vertical motions between the teeth to remove plaque. Then rinse with mouthwash. It can also help get rid of stuck food particles.

6. Don’t Forget the Tongue

Merely cleaning your teeth is not enough. You must keep the tongue clean as well.

Mouthwash can do the job, but you should also use the backside of the toothbrush (if it’s designed to clean the tongue) to scrape your tongue as well. This will help get rid of bacteria and also prevent bad breath.

7. Stay Away from Sugary Foods

Sugary foods, such as chocolates and candies, can destroy the health of your teeth. This is especially true if you do not brush right after you consume such foods.

Sugary foods promote cavities and can also cause stain your teeth. It’s okay to have a few sugary treats every once in a while but make sure to never go overboard and to always brush afterward.

8. Say Goodbye to Unhealthy Habits

Smoking can destroy the shine of your teeth and cause them to appear yellowish. Wine, on the other hand, can also weaken the enamel.

It’s recommended to reduce these habits and stay away from biting hard objects, such as ice. They can damage the teeth and result in a chipped and broken tooth.

9. Be Careful About OTC Treatments

There are over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for everything, from teeth whitening to stop a toothache. While they can help you treat symptoms of the problem, they might not solve the root issue and can be very dangerous in the long-run.

We recommend avoiding OTC products without your dentist’s approval.

These tips will improve your oral health, but if you see no improvement then it might be due to a lack of calcium and vitamin D. Try to add milk, fish and dairy products to your diet to make sure you get all the nutrients that you need.

However, if you still see no improvement then waste no time in visiting your dentist. The condition might be due to an underlying cause.

Our dentists are available to provide you with the expertise that you need. Reach Signature Dental’s Frisco office: (972) 731-9100 or the Richardson office (972) 231-6300 to book an appointment.

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