Best Practices for Good Oral Health

Did you know that your oral health and overall health are interconnected? It is a fact that our dental health often gives clues about our overall health, and our dental issues can impact our overall body health. So, maintaining good oral health is important for our overall wellbeing as well. If you are wondering how to take good care of oral health, here are our tips. 

Best practices for good oral health

• Brush your teeth regularly

To maintain proper oral health, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably once before breakfast and then again after dinner. However, brushing your teeth after each meal is highly recommended. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride.

• Floss daily

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a great habit to get into, but it’s important to remember that brushing alone is not enough. Food particles and plaque can get trapped in the hard-to-reach areas between teeth and below the gum line. This can lead to serious dental issues, which is why it’s so important to maintain good oral hygiene with daily flossing.

• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash

In addition to brushing your teeth, you can also rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent bad breath and make the mouth clean.

• Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of maintaining good oral health. A healthy diet includes a variety of foods from each food group. These food groups include:

• Grains
• Protein
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Dairy
• Fats and oils

A healthy diet also means limiting your consumption of food like sweets, soda, and fast food. These foods are low in nutritional value and high in sugar, which bacteria in your mouth feed on.

• Regular dental cleanings and checkups

No matter how well you brush and floss at home, you still need to have regular dental cleanings and checkups. During your dental checkup appointment, your dental hygienist will remove all plaque buildup from your teeth and check for signs of gum disease. Since even the most diligent brushers can’t remove all the plaque and tartar buildup, professional dental cleaning is essential to eliminate them and improve our oral health. 

• Avoid tobacco and sugary drinks

Tobacco and sugary drinks are some of the worst things for your teeth. Chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes can lead to oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Drinking coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other sugary drinks can lead to dental decay.

• Replace your toothbrush every three months

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months. Once bristles are frayed, they are more likely to harbor bacteria and plaque.

• Use a mouthguard when playing sports

A mouthguard can help protect your teeth from injuries while playing sports. They can cushion a blow to the face and prevent the jaw from breaking or damaging the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), thus preventing broken teeth, broken jaws, and concussions.

To learn more about best practices for oral health, call Bay Area Dental at (510) 350-8187 or visit our dental office at 3300 Webster Street, #907, Oakland, CA 94609. Book your appointment with dentist in Oakland, CA to achieve the smile you have always wished for.