Everyone knows that a good oral health regimen is to floss, rinse with mouth wash, and brush twice daily. Pair that with seeing your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and check-ups and you should be the picture of oral health. Yet, sometimes doing all of that isn’t enough. If you feel like you could be doing more to keep your mouth and teeth clean and healthy then here are some tips on achieving better overall oral health.
Tips to Improve Your Oral Health
Quit smoking and drink less dark colored liquids. Stains from tobacco can be superficial, but after years of regular use, the tobacco can seep into your tooth’s enamel. Smoking can also cause your guns to recede, allowing plaque and tartar to seep under them. This could lead to gum disease which can be really difficult for continuing smokers to get rid of. Coffee, tea, and red wine are notorious for causing your teeth to become discolored and dull, but if you can’t go without your daily coffee or evening glass of wine, try drinking them through s straw to reduce the time the spend in your mouth.
Spend a little more for a better toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are best, and can last for several years before they need replaced. As long as you change the head of the toothbrush regularly they will be the best option for plaque removal and gum health. If you are against mechanical toothbrushes, make sure you don’t buy incredibly cheap toothbrushes and go for soft bristles instead of hard ones which can harm your gums and reduce your enamel.
A healthier body can lead to a healthy mouth, and vise versa. If you have high blood sugar, it can make it difficult for your body to fight infections which may cause you to develop gum disease. Gum disease is also a good indication of other health problems including heart disease. More than 90% of people with heart disease also have periodontal disease which causes the gums to diminish to the point of tooth loss. Helping reverse periodontitis has also been linked to reducing the rheumatoid arthritis pain, proving the link between oral and overall health.
Don’t Forget Your Check-ups
Though there are many ways you can improve your oral health at home, it is still important to see your dentist regularly for cleanings. If you live in the La Habra, CA area and would like more information on maintaining healthy teeth and gums, or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cho, please contact us today!
