Tips For Maintaining Good Oral Health

Good oral hygiene is the basic foundation for a healthy smile. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can prevent dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Here are a few tips for maintaining good oral health. 

• The best way to protect your smile is to practice good oral hygiene every day. This includes brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, as well as flossing at least once a day. This will help to remove plaque and prevent problems like cavities and gum disease. While brushing and flossing are the basics of good oral hygiene, there is more to it than that. Here are some additional ways to improve your oral health:
• Clean your tongue. Your tongue harbors bacteria that can lead to bad breath and other oral issues. If you stick your toothbrush too far back in your mouth, you can damage the tissues in your throat. Instead, gently use a tongue scraper to remove the bacterial buildup on your tongue.
• Avoid tobacco. Tobacco use can significantly increase your risk of oral cancer. It can also increase staining, tooth decay, and gum disease. If you use tobacco in any form, talk to your dentist about ways to quit.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth while you sleep. Bruxism can be damaging to your enamel and cause other problems as well. A mouth guard can minimize this problem and protect your teeth from wear and tear while you sleep.
• See a dentist right away if you think you have a problem. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, bleeding gums, or other symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. Even if you think the issue will go away on its own, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of your mouth.
• Drink plenty of water. Water can help keep your body hydrated and healthy. It can also help flush food particles out of your teeth,
• Limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks. Sugars, found in candy and soda, feed the bacteria that live in your mouth and cause cavities to grow. These bacteria take sugars and produce tooth-decaying acids as a byproduct. Every time that you eat or drink a sugary snack or beverage, you are feeding those bacteria and allowing them to multiply. Limit your intake of sugar to reduce your risk of tooth decay. This includes limiting your consumption of fruit juices and sodas. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks can help keep your teeth healthy as well.
• Don’t skip your regular checkup just because your teeth feel fine! A thorough exam can detect the early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancers, and other oral health problems. Your dentist can also detect issues with your bite or jaw alignment that you may not be aware of yourself. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings.

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (480) 614-2211 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 12020 E Shea Blvd Suite 10, Scottsdale, AZ 85259.