6 Steps to Proper Oral Care

You know that oral health is important – that you should brush your teeth every day. However, not everyone understands just how important it is – or how to properly care for their teeth. Below is a simple guide that includes everything from daily steps to annual ones to help.

1. Have a Daily Dental Hygiene Routine

It’s critical that you take proper care of your teeth and gums each day to keep the plaque at bay. This means that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss. If you have a hard time remembering, set an alarm or hang a Post-It note on your bathroom mirror. Not only will daily hygiene help you smile confidently and keep your breath fresher but will also protect your teeth from cavities.

2. Eat Well

You likely know that what you eat can impact your health in many ways. Did you know that includes your dental health? Eating a balanced diet with the necessary minerals, like calcium, helps protect and rebuild tooth enamel. On the other hand, eating too many sugary or starchy foods can eat away at the enamel.

3. Stay Hydrated

In addition to eating well, it’s important to stay hydrated. Dry mouth can lead to oral infections, trouble swallowing, bad breath, and more. Dehydration can also cause cavities, gum disease, and white spots on the teeth. On the other hand, drinking water not only keeps dry mouth at bay but also washes away food debris.

4. Avoid Tobacco Products

In addition to affecting your breath, smoking can cause both tooth and gum damage. It can cause tooth decay, tooth root decay, mouth cancer, and more. While quitting can be difficult, continuing to smoke can have a severe impact. If you’ve tried to quit and had trouble, reach out for help. Your primary care physician and various organizations can provide the support and resources you need.

5. Manage Any Health Conditions

Your oral health can affect your overall health. Likewise, health conditions can affect your oral health. For example, Sjogren’s disease can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities. Diabetes lowers the body’s resistance to infections, which impacts the gums. Chronic kidney disease can also lead to gum disease.

In short, taking care of your teeth is good for your overall health. At the same time, it’s important to manage any health conditions to improve or maintain oral health.

6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Your dentist can play a critical role in helping you maintain oral health. X-rays are taken to show the dentist the overall condition of your mouth so that any necessary precautions can be taken or procedures can be completed.

Additionally, you’ll get to take advantage of regular teeth cleaning. Having your teeth regularly cleaned by a professional provides many benefits beyond a beautiful smile. It also gets rid of plaque, which is the top cause of tooth decay. It can also prevent tooth loss, freshen your breath, and even improve your general health. As a bonus, it can help you save money, as it can prevent unnecessary dental procedures.

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