Oral Health
Oral health is intimately connected to your overall well-being and quality of life. According to the CDC, by age 8, 52% of children have had a cavity in their baby teeth. This leads to several issues such as tooth decay, gum infections, bad breath, and much more that negatively affect more than just your smile. Adopting positive lifestyle habits and dental care routines is the key to maintaining excellent oral health as you age.
Your location can play a role in oral health, too. For example, those living in areas without fluoridated tap water may be more prone to cavities if extra fluoride isn’t obtained through toothpaste or supplements. In Ohio, a recent study revealed that 84% of third-graders had undergone a dental check-up in the past year, but concerningly, 20% of them had at least one untreated cavity. The study also highlighted the challenges parents face in accessing dental care for their children.
But small daily choices help optimize your oral health regardless of age or location. Residents in the Bellefontaine, Ohio, area can benefit greatly from habits like regular dentist visits, conscientious brushing and flossing, drinking more water, and avoiding smoking.
Read on for 7 science-backed habits that help safeguard your mouth and minimize risks of cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and other problems.
[lwptoc]
1) Visit the Dentist Regularly for Checkups and Cleanings:
Visiting your dentist consistently for periodic checkups and professional cleanings is essential for preventing oral health issues before they become serious. For optimal preventive care, aim to visit your dentist every 6 months.
At regular exams, your dentist will be able to thoroughly:
- Screen for signs of tooth decay, infections, gum disease, and even oral cancer.
- Closely assess the health of your gums and treat early stages of periodontal disease.
- Identify any issues such as tooth grinding, misalignment, bite problems, etc.
- Determine if you need any additional treatments or services, such as fillings to repair cavities, a top Orthodontist in Bellefontaine to correct alignment issues or other interventions.
Maintaining consistent dental exams and cleanings allows for early detection and timely treatment of any problems arising. Be diligent about your checkup schedule, and don’t skip appointments. Preventive dental care is far easier on your health and wallet than dealing with advanced issues down the road!
2) Brush Teeth Properly and Thoroughly Twice Daily:
Daily brushing removes all plaque and prevents cavities and gum disease. For best brushing results:
- Use a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging tooth enamel and gums. Check bristles monthly for fraying.
- Choose a fluoride toothpaste approved by your dentist. Fluoride strengthens and protects enamel.
- Brush for a full 2 minutes twice per day – in the morning and again before bedtime. Set a timer if needed.
- Gently brush all upper and lower teeth’ inner, outer, and chewing surfaces.
- Don’t neglect far back molars, or just focus on front visible teeth.
- Carefully brush along gum lines where plaque hides, but avoid scrubbing hard, which can damage gums.
Establishing a regular habit of careful, thorough brushing keeps your mouth much cleaner and plaque-free between dental visits.
3) Floss Daily to Remove Debris Brushing Misses:
While vital, brushing alone can’t remove all harmful plaque, especially in hard-to-reach areas between teeth. That’s where daily flossing comes in.
Flossing properly after brushing dislodges sticky plaque and food debris where your toothbrush can’t reach – between teeth and just below the gum line, where cavities commonly develop. Be sure to:
- Floss once per day, preferably before bedtime.
- Use 18-24 inches of floss wound securely around fingers for control. Avoid sawing motions.
- Gently slide floss between teeth with a light rubbing motion, curving around each tooth’s sides.
- Floss carefully under the gumline with a gentle “C” shape, avoiding snapping or forcing the floss, which can damage gums.
- Take your time, and don’t rush this plaque-removal step.
Making daily flossing a habit is vital for reducing gum inflammation and minimizing risks of periodontal disease. It takes patience, but pays off.
4) Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash for Added Protection:
Mouthwash or oral rinse provides the extra boost of antimicrobial protection needed by reaching spots brushing and flossing can’t – areas like between the teeth and deeply into gum pockets.
Look for effective mouthwashes with:
- Cetylpyridinium chloride to help reduce plaque.
- Chlorhexidine to improve gingivitis and gum inflammation.
- Essential oils for fresher breath.
- Fluoride aids in strengthening tooth enamel against acids.
Swishing daily with an antibacterial, anti-plaque mouthwash after you finish brushing and flossing gives your oral hygiene routine an added punch. Take advantage of this step.
5) Eat Tooth-Healthy Foods:
Your daily diet significantly impacts your oral health. Focus on eating a balanced variety of tooth-friendly foods:
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples, carrots, celery, etc., help naturally scrub away plaque.
- Dairy products provide calcium and vitamin D for building and maintaining strong tooth enamel.
- Lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and nuts are better choices than sugary, starchy options.
- Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables boost immunity to fight infections.
- Drinking plenty of water hydrates oral tissues and prevents dry mouth.
Be sure to limit the consumption of sugary foods and acidic drinks, which can lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay over time.
6) Curb Unhealthy Habits Harsh on Oral Health:
It’s also vital to curb habits well-known for destroying teeth, gums, and overall oral health, such as:
- Smoking which is closely tied to gum disease, oral cancer, and other problems.
- Spit tobacco or chewing habits that increase gingival recession and decay risks.
- Excessive alcohol drinking, which causes dry mouth and enamel erosion.
- Recreational drug use, like methamphetamines, which rapidly devastates tooth and gum health.
Talk to your dentist for guidance on quitting unhealthy addictions or habits you rely on. Your overall well-being and smile will thank you.
7) Wear Protective Mouthguards During Contact Sports:
Wearing protective mouthguards during sports like football, boxing, basketball, hockey, skateboarding, or any activities with potential for face and mouth impacts can help shield your teeth from traumatic sports injuries. Custom-fitted or off-the-shelf mouthguards cushion forceful blows that could otherwise:
- Crack, chip, or completely knock out teeth.
- Cut or severely bruise lips, gums, cheeks, and jaw.
- Leads to extremely costly dental repair work.
Ask your dentist to fit you with custom mouthguards for the best protection, or have them recommend over-the-counter versions shaped safely using boil-and-bite kits. Don’t take chances with your dental health – take simple steps to safeguard your smile.
Conclusion:
Adopting these 7 science-backed oral health habits reduces your risks of many issues, including cavities, gum disease, infection, and tooth loss. Protect your well-being with prevention. Consistency with dental exams, daily brushing and flossing, eating smart, and avoiding unhealthy habits add up to a lifetime of excellent oral health. Your teeth and gums will thank you!