5 Simple Ways to Maintain Good Oral Health

If you maintain good oral health, it doesn’t just help your smile. It helps your whole body too! This is because your mouth acts as a gateway to the rest of your body. When harmful bacteria get into your gumline, for example, it can increase your risk for systemic health issues. This puts you at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, or stroke.

We’re sharing easy ways for you to maintain a healthy smile:

1. Brush and floss regularly

Brushing and flossing are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Make sure you brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Choose fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your tooth enamel and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the surfaces of your teeth. Remember to brush your tongue, too, as it can harbor bacteria and lead to bad breath.

Flossing is as important as brushing. Floss at least once daily to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth. Make sure you go all the way into the arch of the tooth, where bacteria likes to hide. Also, floss before you brush, too. Your brushing routine needs to clean away the food particles you dislodged while flossing.

2. Use mouthwash

Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Select a mouthwash that contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Use mouthwash between your brushing and flossing routine to keep your mouth fresh. Don’t rinse your mouth with water after using your mouthwash; otherwise, you will wash away all the benefits of the routine. Avoid using an alcohol-based mouth rinse, since they are highly acidic and can erode your teeth.

3. Limit sugary foods

Sugary and acidic foods can damage your teeth and lead to cavities. Limit sugary foods and drinks like candy, soda, and juice. If you indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward. If you’ve had something acidic, wait to brush about 30 minutes later to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. 

If you have difficulty cutting out sugary treats, chew sugar-free gum sweetened with Xylitol throughout the day. Not only does it help cut down on sugar cravings, but it stimulates saliva production in your mouth. This will wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. And Xylitol has cavity-fighting properties. 

4. Eat healthy foods

Add plenty of nutritious foods to your diet to keep your mouth healthy. Have a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods throughout the day. These items contain nutrients essential to protecting and strengthening your teeth and gums. Also, drink plenty of water. It washes away food particles and bacteria in your mouth that can lead to gum disease or cavities. 

5. Visit us regularly for checkups

One important way to maintain good oral health is by visiting us for checkups. We’ll thoroughly clean your teeth and examine your mouth for any underlying dental issues. This helps you keep oral health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay, at bay. Plus, you can discuss goals you have for your smile, like getting straighter teeth or making cosmetic improvements.

Call Marina Landing Family Dentistry today at 510-990-9650 for an appointment in Alameda, CA. You can ​​request an appointment online.