How Can You Maintain Good Oral Health At Home?

Oral health refers to the health of your mouth and the structures within, such as your teeth, gums, and tongue. Good oral health means your mouth is healthy and free of diseases, such as tooth decay and gingivitis. It also means you have healthy teeth and gums, which allow you to eat and speak properly.

Oral health is the key to a strong body, and without it, your body can suffer. Heart disease, diabetes, and stroke are just a few of the conditions that have been linked to poor oral health. Even your mental health can be affected by oral health. Researchers believe there is a connection between poor oral health and depression.

Here are some simple tips to prevent good oral health at home:

Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

One of the most important parts of at-home dental care is maintaining proper at-home tooth brushing habits. Brushing your teeth twice daily prevents tooth decay and gum disease. The most effective oral care routine involves brushing for two minutes each time, spending at least thirty seconds on each quadrant of your mouth.

There are a variety of different toothbrushes on the market, including electric toothbrushes and manual ones. Electric toothbrushes are great for individuals who find them easier to use, but they aren’t always necessary. The most important thing about choosing your toothbrush is finding one you like and will use.

Floss Every Day

Flossing every day is a great way to maintain good oral health. While brushing your teeth helps to keep your teeth clean above the gum line, flossing is necessary to get at the pieces of food that are stuck between your teeth and your gum line, which can lead to cavities.

Use a Fluoridated Mouthwash

Using fluoridated mouthwash is a simple way to prevent tooth decay. The active ingredient in many fluoridated mouthwash is chlorhexidine gluconate, which kills the plaque bacteria that cause bad breath and disease.

When using fluoridated mouthwash, rinse for at least 60 seconds after brushing, making sure to get all the areas of the mouth. Make sure to spit the mouthwash out after rinsing, and do not swallow it.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Good oral health starts with your diet. The foods you choose to eat can have a significant impact on your oral health. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help protect your teeth against decay, gum disease, and infections.

A balanced diet:

• Contains plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Includes dairy
• Is low in added sugars
• Is low in unhealthy fats

Stay Away From Tobacco Products

Smoking and chewing tobacco can wreak havoc on your oral health. Cigarettes contain dangerous chemicals that can increase your risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. Tobacco products also increase your risk of bad breath, dry mouth, and tooth discoloration. If you smoke or chew tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on how to quit.

Get Regular Dental Checkups

Brushing and regular flossing at home is essential to good oral health. But no matter how diligent you are with brushing, regular dental checkups are necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During a professional dental cleaning, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Plaque and tartar are the primary causes of tooth decay and gum disease.

If your dentist finds any tiny cavities during your checkup, they may want to fill them. A dental filling is a type of dental restoration that can be used to fix a small cavity. If your dentist finds a large cavity, they may want to use a crown.

Dr. Darian D.D.S. of Winning Smiles Dentistry is here to provide you with the best treatment and advice possible. To make a reservation, please contact us at (623) 777-7942. Alternatively, you can visit us at 20165 N 67th Ave #103, Glendale, AZ 85308.