Good oral health is essential for chewing and digesting your food properly. It enables you to speak clearly and even helps in preventing bad breath. Unfortunately, many people do not take proper care of their teeth and gums, leading to many problems.
According to a study, four in 10 young adults in the UK brush less than once a week! This is a worrying statistic, considering poor oral health can cause an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.
The good news is there are things you can do to improve your oral health. You may already know the basic rules, which include flossing daily, brushing at least two times daily, and keeping up with your dental health visits. Here are other ways to make maintaining good oral health easy.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Your diet plays a significant role in your oral health. Eating sugary and acidic foods can damage your teeth, so be mindful of what you eat and drink. Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks, and opt for water instead of soda or juice.
If you do eat sugary foods, make sure to brush your teeth afterwards to avoid cavities. Also, try to eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots, as they help clean your teeth while you eat them.
If you are an avid coffee drinker, consider using a straw to reduce the amount of contact the coffee has with your teeth. After drinking coffee, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the enamel.
Don’t Neglect Your Tongue
Your tongue can harbor a lot of bacteria. Failure to clean it can lead to bad breath and an increase in the number of cavities you get. The best way to clean your tongue is by using a tongue scraper. You can also use your toothbrush to lightly brush your tongue.
Make sure to clean your tongue scraper or toothbrush after each use to avoid re-infecting yourself. You only need to scrape your tongue once daily, preferably in the morning. Do this every day to keep bad breath at bay.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. Not only does it cause bad breath, but it also increases your risk of gum disease and cancer. If you smoke cigarettes, now is the best time to rethink your habit and quit.
Take advantage of the resources available to help you quit smoking, so take advantage of them and make the change today. For instance, you can talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy. Doctors can recommend other cessation aids as well, like gum and patches.
Support groups available that can help you through the process of quitting smoking are also available. Talk to your friends and family about your decision to stop, and ask for their support.
If you’re not ready to quit smoking, cut back on how many cigarettes you smoke daily. This will help reduce the damage done to your teeth and gums.
Use the Right Products
Many products on the market claim to improve your oral health, but not all of them are effective. When choosing oral care products, look for the ADA Seal of Approval. This means the product is safe and effective.
You should also choose products that are right for your needs. If you have sensitive teeth, for instance, use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. The same goes for mouthwash – make sure to pick one that will not irritate your gums or cause excessive dry.
Toothpaste is one of the most important products for your oral health. Choose a fluoride toothpaste, as it will help prevent cavities. There are also toothpastes available designed to reduce sensitivity.
When it comes to dental floss, there are many types available. Choose one that is comfortable for you to use, and make sure to floss daily.
Don’t Wait Before Replacing Missing Teeth
Many people think replacing missing teeth is only for cosmetic purposes. After all, a gap or two in your pearly whites isn’t going to hurt anyone. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
Missing teeth can cause several problems. First, it can make it difficult to enjoy what you eat and chew your food properly, leading to malnutrition. Second, it can cause your other teeth to shift out of place, which could lead to more serious dental problems like periodontal disease.
Having gaps in your teeth also makes it challenging to maintain oral health. This is because plaque and bacteria can build up in these areas, leading to cavities or gum disease.
If you have missing teeth, talk to your dentist about replacement options like bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Experts advise against waiting too long before replacing missing teeth, as this could cause more damage to your oral health. Talk to a reliable dentist from a reputable clinic if you can have implants to replace missing teeth. You must ensure that your dentist has years of experience and the necessary knowledge to perform the procedure.
If you want to improve your overall health, start with oral health. Following these simple tips will help you maintain good oral health and avoid dental problems down the road. Be consistent with your oral care routine and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
