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Having a healthy mouth means more than just having an attractive smile. Having a healthy mouth means having a healthy body as well. Good oral health is important for a number of reasons. First, your oral health has a major impact on your general health. Without good oral health, your body is more susceptible to several types of illness and disease. The bacteria that builds up in your mouth due to poor oral hygiene can travel to the rest of your body and cause serious health problems. Second, good oral health gives you the ability to speak and chew properly. Without these abilities, you may not be able to communicate properly or enjoy your favorite foods. And third, oral health affects your appearance. Without good oral health, your teeth may have stains and discolorations, making you look older than you are.

Here are a few tips that will help you maintain good oral health:

• Brush your teeth

You should brush your teeth every day, two times a day, for two minutes at a time. Brushing removes plaque and leftover food particles. It can also help fight bad breath.

• Floss your teeth

The ADA recommends flossing at least once a day. This removes plaque that brushing misses and boosts your overall oral hygiene. Ideally, you should be flossing your teeth after each meal to prevent food particles and plaque buildup from causing tooth decay and gum disease.

• Clean your tongue

Don’t forget about cleaning your tongue, too. You can use a tongue scraper or toothbrush and toothpaste to gently clean your tongue.

• Use a mouthwash

Mouthwash is also an important step in your daily oral routine. It can help remove lingering bacteria from your mouth and prevent plaque from forming. In a pinch, you can use water and baking soda as an inexpensive and effective mouthwash alternative.

• Regular dental visits

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. At these visits, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. They will also polish the teeth to help them feel smooth and clean. They will also examine your mouth to diagnose dental issues if any. 

• Diet and beverage choices

Drinking water is key to keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Limit your consumption of sugary beverages that feed the bacteria that live in your mouth. It is no surprise that soda and juice are unhealthy choices. Sodas contain sugar and acid, which erode the enamel on your teeth.

• Avoid tobacco use

Tobacco use can have negative implications on your oral health. Whether it is smoking or chewing tobacco, tobacco users may experience gum disease and tooth decay. This is because tobacco contains nicotine, which can weaken your immune system, and this can increase your risk of periodontal disease over time. Additionally, tobacco users may have yellow teeth, bad breath, and a higher incidence of oral cancer.

• Avoid oral piercings

Oral piercings can lead to chipped teeth, cracked teeth, and other dental issues. When the piercing is in the mouth, it can make it hard to brush and floss. This can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Additionally, the mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. With an oral piercing, you have even more openings in the mouth for bacteria to enter and cause problems. So, it is recommended to avoid oral piercings if possible.

• Mouthguard use

Wear a mouthguard during sports. It’s the best way to protect your teeth, mouth, and jaw. If you wear braces, you can wear a mouthguard over your braces to protect your teeth, mouth, and jaw. Mouthguards can prevent tooth damage, tooth loss, and jaw fractures during contact sports.

For more dental tips, consult our dentists at City Family Dental & Implant Center. You can call us at (209) 554-1700 or visit our clinic located at 1317 Oakdale Rd Suite 310, Modesto, California 95355.