3 Tips To Maintain Good Oral Health

Good oral health practices can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and more. Listed below are some tips for maintaining good oral health.

• Brush and floss regularly

Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, while flossing cleans between the teeth where decay-causing bacteria can hide. While brushing is important for removing bad bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities or gum disease, it’s important not to brush too vigorously as you could damage the enamel on your teeth. Also, use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a hard-bristled one. And, try to focus on using gentle motions to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day.

• Schedule regular dental checkups

Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist or dental hygienist is important to maintain good oral health and catch any problems early when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. These appointments can help to lower your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and more. It’s recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning.

During these routine visits, your oral healthcare professional will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and other soft tissues. Your dentist will look for any symptoms of problems and make recommendations for treatment when necessary. Routine exams are also important for catching any small oral health issues before they become worse and require more extensive treatments.

• Avoid bad habits

Maintaining good oral health isn’t just about practicing proper oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly for a checkup. It’s also about avoiding habits that can aggravate your teeth and gums. Here are some bad habits you should try to avoid:

• Smoking and chewing tobacco can affect the health of your gums, teeth, and mouth overall. It can cause bad breath, yellowed or discolored teeth, and even an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
• Using your teeth as tools can chip or damage them, causing pain, sensitivity, and the need for restorative procedures to correct the problem. Always use the right tool for the job to protect your teeth from undue damage.
• Grinding your teeth at night can wear them down over time and cause significant damage. A custom night guard can protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism.
• Eating foods that are loaded with sugar can lead to increased plaque buildup and tooth decay, which can weaken your tooth structure. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods to keep your teeth healthy. If you can’t resist those sweet treats, try to brush your teeth after eating them to prevent cavities.
• Taking long sips of soda or other sweetened drinks throughout the day can increase your risk of tooth decay. Try to cut back on these drinks to protect your pearly whites.
• Finally, avoid biting your nails. Nail-biting can damage your teeth and affect your oral health in a couple of ways. First, it puts you at risk of chipped or broken teeth. Second, nail biting can also lead to a buildup of bacteria under your nails, which can be transferred to your mouth when you bite your nails. This can lead to an increased risk of gum disease. 

For booking and other queries, contact Dentist San Jose, CA, at (408) 901-0101 or varnidental@gmail.com. Your comfort and smile matter to us, so schedule your appointment soon. Visit our clinic at 181 E Tasman Dr. Suite 60, San Jose, CA 95134, with your family.