If you neglect your oral health, you can end up with a variety of problems, such as chronic bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, infections, tooth loss, and pain. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve your oral health habits and protect your smile from dental disease!
Here are four simple tips:
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
Did you know that the food you eat plays a role in your oral health? If your diet is composed of too much sugar and simple carbohydrates, you’re more vulnerable to cavities.
Choose fresh vegetables, fruit, lean proteins, and other nutrient-rich foods to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. Foods rich in fiber, like apples, encourage saliva production and help clean plaque from your teeth. Nuts, like almonds, are rich in tooth-strengthening nutrients like calcium and phosphorus!
2. Brush & Floss Every Day
One of the best ways to improve your oral health is to improve your oral hygiene routine. If you aren’t brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time–once in the morning and once at night–now is the time to start.
While you’re brushing your teeth, remember to gently brush your gums and tongue, as well. It’s also important to floss once a day because brushing can’t get in the spaces between your teeth. If flossing makes your gums bleed a little, don’t stop. As you continue to floss and your gums get healthier, they won’t bleed anymore.
3. Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
Smoking is very bad for your overall health and your oral health. Studies show that tobacco users are more likely to get gum disease, have tooth loss, and suffer from oral cancer. Even healing from problems like gum infections and oral surgery is harder because tobacco weakens the immune system.
If you currently smoke or use other tobacco products, quitting will improve your oral health.
4. Visit Sullivan Family Dental Every 6 Months
Alongside good oral habits at home, regular cleanings and exams with Dr. Sullivan will keep your smile healthy! We remove plaque and tartar (which is hardened plaque you can’t brush away at home) and diagnose issues before they start causing more serious health concerns.
For optimal oral health, we recommend visiting our office at least every six months. We’ll let you know if we’d like to see you more frequently.
If you have any questions about how to improve your oral health or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment at Sullivan Family Dental, please contact us today!
