Four Tips for a Healthy Mouth

Introduction

Caring for your body with regular exercise and nourishing food is essential for leading a long, healthy, and happy life.

However, have you ever stopped to consider that looking after your mouth and dental hygiene is part of leading a healthy lifestyle?

You only get one set of adult teeth, and dental problems can seriously affect your overall health and happiness – not to mention your confidence with your smile.

Fortunately, with the correct care and maintenance, your teeth can remain strong and last a lifetime. Here are four tips for a healthy mouth.

1. Practice good oral hygiene

Establishing a strong oral hygiene routine from an early age is often key to enjoying top dental health throughout your life. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and the evening, and floss at least once a day. If you are tempted to use mouthwash, wait around thirty minutes after brushing so that you don’t wash away the protective fluoride from the toothpaste that is coating your teeth. An electric toothbrush can help to maximize your oral hygiene routine as they usually have smaller heads, meaning that you can effectively clean your very back teeth and gentler brushing action to help prevent overbrushing.

2. Have regular dental check-ups

If you have memories of traumatic visits to the dentist as a child, you might be reluctant to return for a check-up. However, having regular check-ups with your dentist is important to ensure that your teeth remain in good condition and to identify and resolve any issues before they manifest into major problems that could seriously damage the health of your mouth. Many modern dental offices are light and airy locations, with friendly practitioners who do their best to assuage your fears. Check out bafdentistry.com for more information about finding a dental practitioner you can trust.

3. Watch your diet

Your diet can have a huge impact on your oral health. A diet that is high in sugar can contribute to cavities and tooth decay, as the sugars interact with dental plaque in the mouth to become harmful acid. For strong and healthy teeth, make sure that you eat a diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D, as these help to strengthen bones and teeth. Calcium and vitamin D can be found in dairy products, such as milk and cheese, oily fish like mackerel and salmon, and leafy green vegetables like broccoli and spinach.

4. Include fluoride in your routine

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water that can help to strengthen and protect your tooth enamel. It is added to many toothpastes and, in some districts, to drinking water. Drinking fluoridated water and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can help to strengthen your teeth and protect them from the harmful plaque and acids that occur in the mouth when consuming food. You may also consider using fluoridated mouthwash to swill around your teeth for a fresh and clean feeling throughout the day.

The Bottom Line

While many aspects of health are common knowledge, there’s one factor that isn’t emphasized enough: mouth health. Maintaining your mouth health is an essential part of maintaining your overall health and well-being. Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll be on your way to not only a prettier smile, but improved physical and even mental health.