March Is Oral Health Month: Tips For Dental Hygiene

March is Oral Health Month! The month is for everybody to celebrate the value of a healthy mouth and learn why it is important to tell people about good oral hygiene. It is also a time to evaluate your oral care practice and learn how you can improve it.

If you already have a great oral hygiene practice in place, the celebration is a reminder to keep looking after your oral health. Besides, the idea is to keep your teeth sparkling, your gums strong, and your breath fresh.

So, What Is Oral Health?

Oral health is the state of having healthy teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and jaws. It includes the ability to taste, bite, chew, swallow, speak, and smile without feeling discomfort, pain, and disease.

A good oral health practice can help keep bacteria and disease at bay. But without proper oral care, bacteria can grow and cause dental issues, such as tooth decay and periodontal or gum disease. If not addressed, gum disease can cause tooth loss and blood infections that can be fatal. That is why it is vital to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

How Can You Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy?

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy involves both personal and professional care. Give your mouth a little more attention this March and beyond with the following tips.

• Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly and Correctly

You probably know that you should brush your teeth twice daily. But brushing may not work if you do not do it properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around every tooth in small round motions.

Do the same for your gum line and tongue. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can hurt your enamel and gums. Also, consider using mouthwash to rinse your mouth to avoid bad breath and other oral health issues.

• Fluoride Is Necessary

Remember to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is the most important defense against cavities. Not every toothpaste contains fluoride, and some people do not use fluoride at all. Research shows that not using fluoride can cause tooth decay even if you care for your teeth in other ways.

• Check Your Diet

Is your diet full of starches and sugars? To avoid plaque and bacteria from growing on your gum line, reduce the amount of starch and sugar you take. Starchy and sugary foods linger in your mouth and feed bacteria. Instead, eat crunchy and fiber-rich veggies and fruits, as well as beverages without added sugar.

Likewise, remember to drink a lot of water to maintain a healthy balance of acid in your mouth. Water is also a good substitute for sugary drinks.

• Avoid Smoking

Smoking compromises your immune system, making it hard for your body to fight illnesses. Smoking also causes tooth and tongue discoloration, as well as gum disease.

• See Your Dentist Every Six Months

See your dentist regularly for dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning. Your dentist will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancers, and other dental issues. Seeing your dentist is especially helpful if you get recurrent cavities or have a history of gum disease and other dental problems.
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For more tips for dental hygiene, visit Eagle Gate Dental at our office in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can also call 801-781-5300 to book an appointment today.