In the new year, many of us want to enact resolutions to better ourselves. One way you can implement a healthy resolution is to improve your oral health. Maintaining a healthy mouth is not just for white teeth and a bright smile. In fact, your oral health is tied to your overall health. To improve the health of your mouth, try paying attention to your daily routine and diet.
Tips to Keep your Mouth Healthy
Oral Health Routine
One of the most efficient ways to keep your mouth healthy is to maintain a good oral health routine. Brushing and flossing your teeth are not just good practices, but they are vital to the health of your teeth. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day or after meals. Additionally, you should floss your teeth daily.
While you brush your teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste. The best way to brush your teeth is to use small circles to buff away plaque from your teeth and gums gently. If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush, it is possible to brush too hard. Brushing too hard can damage your enamel and gums.
Flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing. Brushing removes some plaque, but it is difficult to get between your teeth. Therefore, flossing helps eliminate plaque between your teeth and underneath your gum line. These places are areas that are vulnerable to developing tooth decay and gum disease.
A robust daily oral health routine can keep your mouth healthy.
Diet and What You Eat
Your diet is an important part of your oral health. Everything that enters your mouth can affect your oral health as well as your overall health. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of your dietary habits.
One element of your diet that could be harming your health is sugar. While sugar itself isn’t detrimental to your teeth, its reaction with bacteria is. Like most places in your body, your mouth houses good and harmful bacteria.
These bacteria feed on the foods that are left behind after you eat. When you eat sugar, these bacteria consume the remnants, creating an acid. The acid formed from bacteria erodes and destroys your enamel. Unfortunately, this can increase your chances of developing tooth decay.
Therefore, you should try to avoid eating foods with high amounts of processed sugar.
Using Teeth As Tools
You should avoid using your teeth as tools to keep your mouth healthy. It can be tempting to use your teeth to open a package, but you are likely to damage your teeth. While your enamel is the strongest tissue in your body, it is still susceptible to damage. Opening plastic packages can chip or break your teeth. Additionally, the packaging can cut your gums, leaving you vulnerable to infection.
Also, some things we put in our mouths, such as keys, are full of bacteria. If you don’t have a free hand, you want to use your mouth as an extra hand. However, many of our everyday objects harbor significant bacteria that can make you sick.
The Power of Hydration for Oral Health
Drinking enough water does more than just quench your thirst. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your teeth. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities. It also keeps your mouth from getting dry, which is important because saliva helps fight tooth decay.
If your tap water contains fluoride, you’re getting extra protection for your enamel with every sip. Try carrying a water bottle and taking regular sips throughout the day, especially after meals when you can’t brush right away.
Don’t Forget About Your Tongue
Your tongue can hide lots of bacteria that cause bad breath and affect your oral health. When brushing your teeth, take an extra 30 seconds to gently brush your tongue from back to front. You can also use a tongue scraper, which works like a mini squeegee to remove bacteria buildup.
Cleaning your tongue keeps your breath fresh and reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. It’s a simple step that makes a difference in your overall oral hygiene routine.
The Truth About Whitening Products
Many patients want whiter teeth, but some whitening methods can harm your enamel if overused. Whitening toothpastes with harsh abrasives can scratch tooth surfaces over time. Bleaching products used too often may make teeth sensitive.
The safest approach is to talk to your dentist about professional options or use ADA-approved whitening products. Remember, healthy teeth don’t need to be perfectly white. Slight variations in color are completely normal and natural.
Stress and Your Oral Health Connection
High stress levels can show up in your mouth in surprising ways. Many people grind or clench their teeth when stressed, often during sleep. This can wear down enamel and cause jaw pain. Stress also weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight gum infections.
Some people skip brushing when overwhelmed or eat more sugary comfort foods. If you’re going through a stressful time, pay extra attention to your oral care and consider stress-relief techniques like deep breathing to protect both your mind and your smile.
Would you like more personalized tips on how to take care of your teeth? Schedule a dental exam with Dr. Trinkner today by calling 803-400-8729 or request an appointment online.