Tips To Maintain Good Oral Health

Good oral health is more than just the absence of cavities and gum disease. It also means having good oral hygiene habits, avoiding tobacco use, and visiting the dentist regularly. Good oral hygiene prevents cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.

Here are a few tips for maintaining good oral health:

• Regular dental visits

It's important for your smile to regularly visit your dentist. These visits give your dentist the opportunity to spot any problems that you may not have noticed, as well as fix any small problems before they become bigger. Dental visits also involve a thorough cleaning of your teeth by your dental team; it will help eliminate any plaque and tartar from the teeth surface, thus preventing the occurrence of several oral diseases. Your dentist may also recommend certain procedures, such as sealants or fluoride treatment, to help protect your teeth.

• Brushing and flossing

If you are already diligent about brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, that's a great first step. However, did you know that there are certain actions that can make your oral hygiene routine even better?

For instance, if you are brushing your teeth and gums, brush for at least two minutes. This amount of time ensures that you are spending enough time on each tooth to remove the plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Also, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush gently along the gum line, and brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

• Eating a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep your smile healthy. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day will reduce the risk of tooth decay. Make sure you don't snack on sugary foods between meals, and brush your teeth after eating.

• Quitting smoking

If you smoke, quitting can help you avoid oral cancer, gum disease, and bad breath. It can also slow the progression of bone loss, leading to better stability for dentures. If you're looking for help quitting smoking, ask your dentist for resources.

• Avoiding grinding your teeth at night

Teeth grinding or bruxism can be damaging to your teeth and jaw. Grinding your teeth can lead to tooth damage, wear, and fractures. It can also cause jaw pain and headaches.

If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a nightguard. A nightguard is a custom-fitted appliance worn at night to protect your teeth. It can help prevent damage caused by grinding your teeth.

• Reducing your sugar intake

Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet will have an immediate effect on your dental health. Bacteria love sugar, so reducing the amount of sugar you eat will help to reduce acid production in the mouth. Acid wears away at the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities. Reducing your sugar intake will also help to reduce plaque buildup. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks will help to lower your risk of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

• Using mouth guards when playing sports

A mouth guard is an important piece of athletic gear that's worn over the teeth to protect from injury. Mouthguards are important in contact sports as well as in non-contact sports. 

Please reach out to our dental practice in Walnut Creek, CA, to have a consultation with our Dentist in Walnut Creek, CA. Please call us at (925) 937-2273 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.