Your oral health is an important part of your overall health. And there are several things you can do to help ensure your smile stays healthy. Here are some tips to help you have a healthy smile:
- Practice proper oral hygiene
One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to practice proper oral hygiene. To care for your smile, brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once every day. Also, make sure to use mouthwash to kill bacteria.
- Use mouthwash
After brushing and flossing, using a mouthwash can help fight bacteria. A mouthwash can help kill bacteria that can lead to bad breath. It can also help remove food particles and bacteria that brushing and flossing might leave behind.
- Visit the dentist regularly
For maintaining optimal oral health, brushing and flossing are not enough. In addition to brushing and flossing, you should also visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Going to the dentist regularly helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for your teeth. In particular, you need to eat plenty of calcium, and vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D help your body absorb enough of the minerals in your bones and teeth. Without enough calcium and vitamin D, your teeth may become brittle. In addition, it is also important to reduce the intake of sugary, sticky, hard, or acidic foods as they can harm oral health.
- Use mouthguards when playing sports
Mouthguards protect your teeth from damage and injury. Wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports or games. If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard will keep your enamel from wearing down.
- Avoid tobacco products
Tobacco products are terrible for your oral health. The nicotine found in these products increases your risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer. It can also cause your teeth to appear yellow and stained. If you currently use tobacco products, speak with your dentist about how to quit.
- Avoid habits that can harm your oral health
Even seemingly harmless habits like chewing on pencils or biting your nails can cause significant damage to your smile. Biting down on hard or sharp objects or using your teeth as tools to open things can put your teeth at risk of chipping, cracking, or even breaking. To protect your smile from injury, stop these habits.
To learn more oral-care tips or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (573) 368-7325 713 or (573) 729-7701.