Best Practices For Maintaining Good Oral Health

Oral health means more than just having a healthy mouth. Good oral health means having a healthy mouth, a healthy body, and overall good health. Good oral health means being free from mouth pain, having teeth that look and feel good, and being free from the fear of dental visits. Here are a few tips for maintaining good oral health: 

• Brushing and Flossing Regularly

Brushing at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day constitutes the basic oral hygiene habits one should never ignore. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. While brushing can eliminate debris and bacteria from the teeth' surface, dental floss removes plaque and food particles from between teeth, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. If left unremoved from the tooth surface, plaque turns into tartar, which can only be removed at your dentist's office. 

• Regular Dental Checkups

The American Dental Association recommends at least two dental checkup appointments each year. During these visits, our dentist will examine your smile to look for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues. We will also clean your teeth and remove built-up plaque, reducing the risk of cavities and gingivitis. Keeping up good home hygiene habits goes a long way toward preventing tooth decay and gum disease. However, even the best home care routine can't eliminate the plaque and tartar that can build up on teeth over time. Regular dental cleanings are essential for fighting plaque and tartar, as well as keeping gums healthy.

• Using Mouthwash

When it comes to your oral care routine, mouthwash and dental floss go hand in hand. Mouthwash is a great supplement to brushing, as it can help prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. 

• Avoiding Tobacco and Alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol can both cause oral cancer, and tobacco can also cause gum disease. Tobacco not only increases a person's risk for oral cancer, but smoking also causes other serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. So, avoid the use of tobacco and alcohol. 

• Reducing Sugar Intake

Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities, so the less sugar you consume, the lower your risk of cavities. And if you eat food containing sugar, be sure to brush and rinse afterward. 

• Follow A Nutritious Diet

A healthy diet can keep your teeth and gums healthy. In fact, poor nutrition can lead to gum disease, which can then lead to other health problems. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help fight infection and disease. Eating a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fiber can also help with oral health.

To learn more oral-care tips from the experts at Homeland Dental, contact our dentist in Greensboro and his team at (336) 272-0132 or visit our office located at 1037 Homeland Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405. We will be happy to help you!