3 Important Tips To Improve Your Oral Health

Good oral health is important to your overall health. If you don’t care for your teeth properly, it could lead to cavities, which can damage your teeth. Cavities can also lead to more serious problems, such as tooth infections. Here are a few best practices that help us maintain good oral health:

• Maintain good oral hygiene

One of the most important habits to be followed to maintain good oral health is to brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. While brushing, brush for a minimum of two minutes using a soft-bristled brush. This helps removes plaque and food particles from the teeth. 

Brushing your teeth twice a day is great, but flossing is just as important. Most people don’t realize that flossing is just as important to your oral health as brushing your teeth. When you eat food, particles can get trapped between teeth, which causes plaque buildup and tooth decay. These problems are much harder to fix if they aren’t caught early on. To prevent plaque buildup, it is best to floss at least once a day. This will keep your mouth clean and prevent bacteria from building up. It’s also a good idea to brush your tongue since it can harbor bacteria as well. Don’t forget to use mouthwash after you’ve brushed and flossed — this will further eliminate odor-causing bacteria and help keep your breath fresh throughout the day. If you’re not a fan of traditional mouthwashes, there are alcohol-free options available that won’t dry out your mouth. Talk to your dentist for recommendations.

• Schedule regular dental checkups

You should visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. These visits help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other common dental problems. During your visit, our dentist will examine your teeth and mouth to check for symptoms of cavities or oral cancer. We will also clean your teeth with professional-grade tools to remove any plaque or tartar buildup, which may lead to decay if not removed. At your cleaning, we will also polish your smile to leave you with a bright, white smile! Additionally, our team will answer any questions you may have about your oral health and how to improve your at-home oral care routine.

• Quit smoking

Tobacco use is one of the worst things for your oral health. In addition to staining your teeth, tobacco use increases your risk for mouth cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. Many people who smoke also suffer from bad breath or dry mouth, which are both caused by reduced saliva production. Smoking can also contribute to tooth grinding. All of these factors can lead to oral health complications. If you’re a smoker, you should quit as soon as possible. Talk to your dentist about options for quitting, such as nicotine gum and patches. You should also consider visiting our office regularly for cleanings to remove tobacco stains from your teeth.

If you want to learn more about good oral care habits, visit the Covington Signature Dentistry office at 27121 174th Place SE, Suite 202, Covington, WA 98042, or call (253) 638-9955 to schedule an appointment.