Brushing And Flossing For Oral Health
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Choose a brush that feels comfortable in your hand and has soft bristles. While manual toothbrushes are the norm, electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque and hard-to-reach debris.
Dental Check-Ups For Oral Health
Regular dental checkups are important, even if you are practicing good oral hygiene. You should have your teeth checked at least once every six months. This allows your dental provider to detect any cavities or gum disease in the early stages, which makes it easier to treat.
Regular Dental Cleanings For Oral Health
Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can still build up over time. During your cleaning, the hygienist will polish away this plaque and tartar buildup and leave your teeth feeling squeaky clean.
Eating A Balanced Diet For Oral Health
Eating habits have an impact on your dental and general health. A balanced diet that limits or eliminates sugary and acidic foods and drinks will not only keep your smile strong but could also reduce your risk of certain health problems.
Eating a balanced diet allows for the intake of essential nutrients to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Consuming a balanced diet can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Quitting Smoking Or Using Tobacco For Oral Health
Tobacco use is a leading cause of tooth loss. In addition to oral and throat cancer, which can develop when tobacco products are used, smoking and chewing tobacco can also damage your teeth and gums.
Limiting Alcohol Use For Oral Health
If you are a smoker, drink a lot of alcohol, or have a medical condition that puts you at an increased risk of oral cancer, you need to limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption can dry out the mouth, which puts you at an increased risk of tooth decay. The drying effects of alcohol can also increase your risk of bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
If you choose to drink alcohol, drink a glass of water after to help rinse away some of the residue. Also, limit your intake of acidic drinks like coffee, sodas, and fruit juices, as these can weaken your tooth enamel and put you at risk for cavities.
The Flu And Oral Health
Illnesses like the flu and common cold affect your oral health. If you have a fever, for instance, your mouth is more susceptible to infection. While the common cold typically doesn’t affect your oral health, the flu does. It can also weaken your immune system, which makes it harder to fight infections.
Medication And Oral Health
Some medications, like those for high blood pressure or thyroid conditions, can cause dry mouth. Saliva is an important natural defense against tooth decay. If you don’t produce enough saliva, your teeth are more likely to develop cavities.
Rinse With Mouthwash For Oral Health
Rinse with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash after brushing helps to remove food particles and plaque buildup from places that your toothbrush may have missed. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and freshen breath.
The ADA recommends rinsing with mouthwash for one minute twice a day.
Use Mouthguards When Playing Sports
Any sport or recreational activity that involves moving your mouth and face can lead to serious injuries. In fact, sports-related dental injuries are some of the most common injuries that athletes sustain. If you participate in sports, wearing a mouthguard can greatly reduce your risk for dental injuries.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste For Oral Health
Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay. You can find this ingredient in most toothpaste. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste twice a day for optimal effect.
To find out more about the dental services offered by our dentist in Albuquerque NM, Dr. Snyder, call (505)-293-7611, schedule an online consultation or visit us at 4830 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste. K, Albuquerque, NM, 87111.