Good oral health promotes overall health. It can prevent diseases and infections of the mouth and other parts of the body. An unhealthy mouth can result in many oral health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are some simple ways to keep your mouth healthy:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Brushing and flossing are extremely important parts of your at-home oral care routine. Be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day and floss once per day. Using toothpaste with fluoride can also strengthen the protective layer on your teeth and make tooth enamel more resistant to decay. You should also rinse your mouth with water after eating to help remove food debris.

In addition to brushing and flossing, you should also use mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in the mouth and improve your breath. You should choose a mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to ensure it’s safe to use as directed on the label.

Use Oral Appliance

Wearing an oral appliance can also help protect your teeth from damage while you sleep. We recommend using a night guard if you snore or grind your teeth at night. You should also ask your dentist about other oral appliances, such as bite guards, to protect your teeth during sports and other physical activities.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet is one that is rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. It limits sugary and starchy foods that can increase your risk of cavities. Limiting snacks between meals can also help to remove food particles from your teeth. Healthy diets are also high in calcium and vitamin D to help strengthen bones as well as healthy gums. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products like yogurt or milk and cheese. Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, or sardines or in fortified orange juice and cereals.

In addition to a healthy diet, you should also avoid drinking too many acidic beverages such as soda and sports drinks. You should also limit your intake of hard candy and sticky foods like potato chips. All of these can stick to teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay.

Drink Water After Meals

Rinsing your teeth and gums with water after eating can help prevent cavities by washing away food particles and bacteria that could cause a buildup of plaque. It can also boost your overall oral health because it can help rinse away acid and sugar in your mouth. Drinking more water throughout the day also helps keep your mouth hydrated, which is important because saliva helps wash away debris and keep a healthy pH balance in the mouth.

Go for Regular Dental Visits

Regularly visiting the dentist in Brunswick, OH for regular cleanings and checkups is also an important part of maintaining good oral health at home. These appointments allow your dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to prevent gum disease or cavity development, as well as spot signs of oral cancer or other issues early before they worsen. For patients with braces, regular orthodontic visits are also important to maintain proper bite alignment and prevent the shifting of teeth.

It’s recommended that everyone see a dentist at least once every six months for a checkup and cleaning. In some cases, some patients may need to visit their dentist more often, depending on their needs. Your dentist will be able to recommend how often you should plan to visit based on your oral health needs. 

To learn more, visit Hendricks Family Dentistry at 4181 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212, or call 1-833-336-7533. We look forward to working with you and helping you get your best smile.