Healthy teeth and gums may seem like an easy task to take part in, but keeping up with hygiene can be a struggle for many people. Financial limitations can prevent people from getting timely dental care, and poor oral health can have long term consequences on a person’s overall health, employment, and well-being. With the affordability gap worsening over time, adult dental care often gets delayed, and forces people into a scenario of either getting dental care now or face the consequences later on. For those struggling with health insurance coverage, dentists encourage preventative tips for oral care to combat these issues and help prevent the onset of serious diseases later on in life.
Experts in dentistry and associations alike have determined that a healthy mouth has a huge connection to overall health. When uncared for, it can lead to other conditions such as malnutrition, heart problems, lung issues, speech problems, and other challenges that affect a person’s social, work, and personal life. With these tips, you can proactively protect yourself from long-term expenses and keep your teeth healthy.
1. Brushing Your Teeth Regularly
For many people who have heard this same suggestion, brushing your teeth may seem like an everyday activity that matters – but it’s only effective if done consistently and correctly. When brushing your teeth, you should use tiny, circular motions to care for all parts of the mouth. This process should take between 2 to 3 minutes, and avoid the sawing back and forth motions. Using the right equipment also matters, because using hard, worn-out bristles can damage the tooth enamel and gums, leading to permanent damage and gum erosion.
2. Flossing Once a Day
Flossing may seem like the most tedious of tasks, but brushing alone won’t clean the areas in between your teeth. By flossing, you will remove the plaque and bacteria that sit in between the teeth. By doing this, you can prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and other diseases. When flossing, you should use an up and down motion, hugging the teeth’ side while cleaning.
3. Get Fluoride
Fluoride can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but not all toothpaste contains fluoride. When purchasing tooth products, make sure that your toothpaste contains fluoride, as it can help rebuild enamel and prevent the onset of cavities. Some water companies add fluoride to their water supply, which can also help oral aid health.
4. Quit Smoking
Among many of its consequences, smoking is a risk factor for gum disease, and those who continue to smoke will experience slower healing after any dental procedure. It also affects the mouth’s appearance, causing bad breath, teeth discoloration, and discoloration of the gums and mouth.
5. Consider Mouthwash
Mouthwash can freshens up your breath and washes away any leftover bacteria present in the mouth. It can control gingivitis, plaque build-up, and remove bad breath caused by bacteria. However, mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing and flossing but can be used as a compliment.
Lastly, heading to your dentist is an effective form of caring for your teeth and preventing any oral diseases. We recommend visiting Dr. Marian Bradford at Premier Dental of South Orange County for your appointment in Aliso Viejo, CA. Contact Premier Dental today to schedule an appointment and be proactive about your dental health.