Oral health is critical for overall health and quality of life. Most of us know the importance of things like brushing your teeth every day, but experts like Dr. Kami Hoss say there are many other ways you can keep your smile healthy.
Here are eight tips from dental experts:
1. Watch for Sensitivity
If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, you should see your dentist right away. This is a sign of something going on under the gum line, and you should not ignore it.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is important for oral health because it washes away bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. It also helps remove plaque from your teeth when you rinse after drinking a beverage with sugar in it. Keeping hydrated will keep your mouth moist, which decreases the chances of tooth decay.
3. Avoid Sweet Drinks
Sugary drinks are not good for your teeth because sugar creates plaque which causes tooth decay. Sugary drinks also cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. Even diet soda is harmful since it contains citric acid, which will eat away at your enamel if you drink it too often.
4. Brushing and Flossing Daily
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to eliminate plaque buildup between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Many people only brush their teeth without scrubbing away the bacteria between their teeth, which can lead to gum disease and bad breath if left untreated.
5. Think About Your Diet
You cannot change the fact that you have teeth, so take care of them by avoiding foods that are too hard or chewy. Stick with softer foods that are easier on your teeth, and you will reduce the chances of damage. You should also be aware of how acidic or sugary your diet is because this can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
6. Schedule Regular Checkups
A dentist can help detect issues before they become big problems. Your dentist can schedule regular checkups for you each year so they can spot any new dental issues before they get worse or spread. Once spotted early enough, these issues are often much easier to treat than if left untreated for years at a time. This prevents things like tooth loss by catching them early when they are still relatively minor problems that can be fixed quickly and easily.
7. Avoid Frequent Snacking
It is tempting to eat several small meals throughout the day, but snacking too much can put you at higher risk of cavities and gum disease. If you snack often during the day, this also encourages bacteria growth which can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Having three healthy meals a day and sticking with water between them is your best bet for keeping your mouth clean and teeth strong throughout the day.
8. Get Fluoride Treatments When Needed
If you are at high risk of tooth decay, then fluoride treatments might be right for you. Fluoride protects against cavities by making the surface of your teeth stronger. Fluoride treatments are especially important for people who do not like to brush or floss their teeth on a regular basis, because it strengthens their enamel which makes them less likely to get cavities in the future.
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