One way that you can benefit your overall health is to take care of your oral health. That’s right! Keeping your mouth healthy can help keep your body healthy. In addition, good oral health can prevent severe dental problems or surprise dental bills in the future.
Routine Dental Cleanings
Going to your routine dental appointments can reduce your chances of significant dental issues. When you go to the dentist, you are likely to receive a dental cleaning. These cleanings are necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
During your appointment, your dental team will take x-rays of your mouth. This allows your dentist to get a full picture of your oral health. It can help them see if you have any issues developing under the surface of your teeth.
Additionally, you will get a full cleaning from a professional dental hygienist. They can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that you might miss every day. With their special tools and expertise, they can remove plaque between your teeth and underneath your gum line, reducing the chances of you developing gum disease or tooth decay.
Good Daily Oral Health Routine
If you establish a good oral hygiene routine, you can minimize the likelihood of having significant dental issues. To do this, you can brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. A hard-bristled brush can damage your enamel and the soft tissues of your gums.
In addition, you should also floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing is a very important step. Brushing your teeth alone is not enough to remove the harmful bacteria from your mouth. Without flossing, you increase your risk of developing gum disease.
An extra step you can add to your routine is a mouthwash following your brushing and flossing. It can reach areas where your toothbrush and floss cannot.
Avoid High Sugars and Acids
Your diet is actually a part of your oral health. Anything that goes in your mouth has the potential to influence your body or oral health. Therefore, you should take note of foods or beverages that have high amounts of sugar or acid. When bacteria consume sugar, they create an acid that slowly erodes your enamel.
Over time, you can begin to develop small pits of decay or cavities. This process is called demineralization, and sugars and acids can accelerate the destruction of your enamel.
Avoid Tobacco or Vaping Products
Studies show that the use of tobacco, such as chewing tobacco or cigarettes, can increase the likelihood of developing serious dental problems. For example, tobacco can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and even cancers of the mouth.
Recently, there has been a study that discusses the connection between vaping and an increase in tooth decay. Experts suggest that the additive sugars and the aerosol in the vapor allow the sugar to sit on the teeth for much longer than average, causing cavities.
These habits can negatively affect your oral health and your overall health.