Robina Dental Taking care of your teeth and gums is important for a number of reasons. In addition to the obvious benefit of a beautiful smile, maintaining good oral health can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which in turn can lead to other health issues like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even preterm labor.
But keeping up your oral hygiene isn’t just about brushing and flossing — it’s also about the entire health of your mouth, from your teeth to your gums to your breath! Here are 9 tips that will help keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
1. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep – Getting plenty of rest is essential for staying healthy, especially during times of illness when your body needs extra energy to fight off the bug. It’s often tempting to binge watch shows or stay up late with friends, but these activities can worsen your condition and shorten your recovery time.
2. Don’t forget to brush your teeth after meals – Brushing helps remove bacteria, which can spread throughout your mouth and cause inflammation, bad breath, and other health problems. This is especially true when you’re sick, as your immune system may not be working as well and your saliva flow is low.
3. Drink lots of water and fluoride-rich beverages – Fluoride helps strengthen teeth, reduce the risk of tooth decay, and reduce your chances of developing oral cancer. If you don’t have access to fluoride-rich water, talk with your dentist about a mouth rinse that can provide this essential element.
4. Eat a healthy diet – Avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar, and limit your intake of processed and junk food. It’s also a good idea to eat fruits and vegetables, which contain nutrients your body needs for good health.
5. Visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups – Regular dental visits are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. They give your dentist the chance to remove plaque buildup that brushes and flosses can’t, look for cavities and other signs of oral health problems, and recommend treatment options that can help you achieve optimal oral health.
6. Avoid smoking – Smoking is one of the biggest contributing factors to oral health problems. If you’re a smoker, ask your dentist about quitting and other ways to avoid harmful tobacco products.
7. Wash your hands frequently – It’s easy to get sick when you are exposed to germs. So always make it a point to wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
