There are so many reasons to take care of your oral health, including avoiding pain in the long run, keeping your smile pearly white, and making sure your breath stays fresh too. The good news is you can find out about three of the best ways to take care of your oral health in the post below. Keep reading to discover what they are.
Stop plaque in its tracks
The foods you eat or drink provide fuel for bacteria that can grow in your mouth. This bacteria is known as plaque, and it forms a film that clings to your teeth. This film can then release acids into your mouth, which in turn can attack the enamel of your teeth and weaken them.
Fortunately, there are many ways that you can prevent the growth of plaque in your mouth. The first of these is to make sure you keep up with regular dental appointments and cleanings. Every 6 months or so is best.
Secondly, as well as brushing with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and evening, flossing at least once a day is recommended. You can use traditional floss, floss picks, or even a water pik to help you do this. Lastly, don’t forget to use mouthwash as well. Antibacterial is the best kind for limiting plaque growth so be sure you always have some in your home.
Prevent bone loss in the jaw
Bone loss is a serious issue when it comes to oral health. This is because if you start to lose bone density in the area you can be subject to a range of additional issues such as facial collapse and additional tooth loss.
The good news is some things can help avoid such issues. Indeed, as well as general good oral hygiene, making sure to get dental implants to replace any missing teeth is vital here. The reason for this is that they behave in a similar way to a real tooth and encourage the growth of tissue around the jawbone. Thereby preventing and in some cases replacing any bone loss that has occurred.
Avoid cavities
Cavities are holes in the tooth caused by decay. If left untreated cavities can not only be painful and unsightly but can also pose a very real risk to your health. Indeed, an infection in a tooth can spread to other parts of the body and make you very sick.
That is why it’s vital to do all you can to avoid getting to the stage when cavities are present. Of course, at the most basic level, this means regular brushing and flossing. However, there are some additional steps you can take as well such as eating a diet rich in tooth health foods like raw vegetables, yogurt, and cheese. Avoiding frequent snacking, and sipping on sugary drinks will help too. Lastly, you may wish to invest in dental sealants. The latter is a film that is pasted on the chewing side of the tooth that can help provide some additional protection from plaque, and wear.