Discover Simple Ways to Boost Your Oral Health

Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. So, when you ignore issues with your oral health, it can affect your physical health too. Problems like gum disease can actually increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. That’s why it’s so important to take necessary steps to protect your smile with proper oral hygiene and other practices. We’re sharing a few ways you can boost your oral health for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Brush Up On Your Oral Care Habits

Most of us understand the importance of brushing and flossing. However, how certain are you that you have the right technique? Make sure of the following:

  • You brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time.
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid harming your tooth enamel.
  • Brush at a 45-degree angle to clean your gum line.
  • Make sure you brush your tongue too!
  • Floss before you brush your teeth so any food particles you remove get brushed away.
  • Don’t forget to floss your back teeth!

Cut Down on Sugar

Your mouth has a ton of bacteria inside of it, some good and some not so good. It’s the bad bacteria you have to watch out for, of course. When you eat foods that contain sugar, that sugar attracts the harmful bacteria that can form plaque in your mouth leading to tooth decay. Keep an eye out for sugar in disguise though! It’s often found in common snack foods, dressings, yogurts, and other foods that are often considered healthy. So, make sure the sugar content in the food you are eating isn’t high.

Get Rid of Unhealthy Habits

Unfortunately, if you smoke or drink alcohol, that can have determinantal effects on your oral health. Smoking and other tobacco use can cause bad breath, tooth discoloration, increase plaque and bacteria in your mouth, and increase your risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can stain your teeth and increase your risk for oral cancer. While these can be tough habits to break, doing so can do wonders for your oral health.

Don’t Ignore Dental Pain or Concerns

Visiting the dentist every six months is essential to keeping oral health problems at bay. We not only will thoroughly clean your teeth but also examine your mouth for any kind of issues like cavities, gum disease, and more. But what about between visits? If you are experiencing any kind of dental pain or discomfort in your mouth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. It’s best to address a problem as early as possible so it’s easier to treat.

Take a step in the right direction with your oral health by calling Kiski Advanced Dentistry at 724-294-5526 in Leechburg, PA to get your checkup scheduled. You can also schedule online.