June 20, 2022
Oral health is a topic that is often placed on the backburner when it comes to overall wellness. Other parts of the body may display more obvious symptoms when something is wrong, and bad dental health sometimes remains hidden from the individual. Of course, there can be significant ramifications if you neglect the condition of your mouth, creating a nightmare scenario where you experience tons of pain and have to spend a lot of money to fix the problems.
Maintaining good dental health comes down to a few simple practices for most people. Although genetics and other factors can play a role in the health of your teeth, the majority of problems that people experience come from poor personal dental care.
In order to sustain good health in your mouth, it is important to follow these basic tips to defend against decay and disease.
Brushing regularly and correctly
This is, of course, the most obvious and well known tip for better dental health. But it is not as simple as just doing it. It has to be done regularly and correctly to be effective. Brushing in small circles is actually more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums than going from side to side. Also, many people rush through the process because of a busy morning routine or laziness. Dentists recommend that you spend about two minutes brushing twice a day to keep your mouth as clean as possible and prevent decay or diseases. You also don’t need to cover the entire brush with toothpaste. A pea-sized amount will do. To protect the health of your gums and teeth, make sure that you are brushing regularly and correctly.
Don’t skip the floss
Flossing is one of the most common practices that people skip when caring for their teeth. It is a little more difficult than brushing, can sometimes be painful, and may result in bleeding, causing people to avoid doing it. The space between your teeth is where a lot of bacteria can accumulate and the brush has a hard time getting into those crevices. Flossing will prevent the buildup of that bacteria, protecting your enamel and overall oral health. Cavities are no fun for anyone, and flossing your teeth is a great practice for thorough cleaning that will decrease the chance of developing a cavity.
Avoid high-sugar foods
Sugar is the number one cause of plaque buildup in the mouth. It actually combines with the saliva in your mouth to form a compound that sticks to your teeth. This compound is what breaks down enamel and leaves your teeth vulnerable to decay. Sugar is also responsible for many types of gum disease. If your diet consists of foods and beverages that have high sugar content, your oral health is at a much higher risk. Try to avoid regular consumption of these products to give your mouth a better chance against decay and diseases.
Focus on a healthy diet
There are wrong foods to eat for your oral health and there are perfect foods. Calcium and vitamins are key nutrients for protecting the strength and health of your teeth, so dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and eggs can boost your mouth’s defenses. Fighting off diseases is very important for your mouth, so a strong immune system is key. A vitamin d supplement, combined with a healthy diet, can support an already healthy immune system throughout the body, including the mouth. When you are prioritizing oral health, the food and drink you choose to put into your body matters just as much as the food and drink you avoid.
Exercise helps as well
This may come as a surprise to some, since exercise often focuses on the muscular structure and areas like the cardiovascular system. Physical activity is great for dental health in many ways. It can increase circulation which contributes to the delivery of key nutrients to the mouth. Exercise also increases heart health and improves the body’s defenses against cardiovascular diseases. These diseases can often affect oral health as well. Plus, exercise helps to fight off obesity, a condition that can put extra strain on the condition of your mouth. If you are serious about improving your personal dental care, getting exercise is a crucial component.
Dental care is absolutely necessary
Your teeth, gums, and mouth are not a part of the body that you can afford to overlook. With all of the germs and outside elements that enter the body through this orifice, it is important to prioritize its condition. Brushing your teeth well, flossing to get the hard-to-reach bacteria, avoiding sugar, consuming calcium and vitamins, and exercising are all contributing factors in your oral health. Make sure to invest the time needed to incorporate these tips so that you don’t have to hear bad news during your next trip to the dentist.