Posted by South Friendswood Dental Associates on Sep 23 2022, 04:35 AM
Good oral health can directly influence your overall well-being. Besides affecting the aesthetics of one's smile and causing pain or infection, poor oral health has also been linked to a number of serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections, and even some cancers. Here are a few tips for maintaining good oral health:
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste is one of the primary requisites to maintaining good oral health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three-four months. This will go a long way to ensure you're eliminating as much plaque as possible from the surface of your teeth.
Brushing is important, but it is not enough. You need to floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and tartar from between the teeth and below the gum line. If plaque and tartar are not removed from the mouth, gum inflammation can occur, which can lead to periodontal disease.
Mouthwash kills bacteria in your mouth, which helps prevent tooth decay. When you use mouthwash, make sure you swish it around for at least 30 seconds. This also helps keep your breath smelling fresh.
Your body is constantly changing, and that includes your mouth. Dental checkups allow your dentist to carefully examine your teeth for signs of trouble, such as tooth decay. Catching cavities early can help prevent you from needing complex treatments later.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do for your oral and overall health. A balanced diet and limiting snacking between meals can keep your teeth healthy and blood sugar levels steady, which can also improve your oral health.
Smoking causes serious health issues, including gum disease. The chemicals in tobacco can weaken your immune system, which makes you more susceptible to infections, including gum disease. If you have the habit of smoking, quit it at the earliest.
When you don't wear a mouthguard, you increase your risk of damaging your teeth. If you participate in activities where your mouth is particularly vulnerable, you should wear a mouthguard. This includes sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. It can also include activities where your teeth hit each other, like skateboarding or mountain biking.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause severe damage to your smile. People who grind their teeth may endure headaches, a sore jaw, tooth sensitivity, and a cracked tooth.
When you grind your teeth, it puts a lot of pressure on your delicate dental work. Your enamel, dentin, and dental fillings may crack or fracture, requiring restorative treatment. If you suspect that you're grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about it. He or she may recommend a mouth guard to prevent damage to the dental work.
Schedule an appointment with South Friendswood Dental Associates for comprehensive oral care. We are located at 699 S Friendswood Dr. Suite #108, Friendswood, TX 77546. Contact us at (281) 482-7731 or visit our website to book an appointment.
