How Can You Maintain Good Oral Health At Home?

Maintaining good oral health is important for both your oral and overall health. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and things you do or don't do in your mouth can affect your overall well-being. Here are a few ways through which you can maintain good oral health at home.

Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth

Whenever you eat, food particles can become trapped in your teeth and gums. If you don't brush and floss your teeth after each meal, bacteria may build up and cause plaque to form. Plaque creates acid that eats away at your tooth enamel, contributing to tooth decay and cavities.

You can prevent these issues by brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time and flossing at least once per day. If you can't brush and floss after eating, drink some water to help wash away food particles.

Rinsing With An Anti-Cavity Mouthwash

Even if you take good care of your teeth during your regular dental visits, you still need to take extra steps at home to maintain good oral health. Rinsing with mouthwash is one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy between appointments. This is because mouthwash kills all the plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth. This prevents the formation of tartar (or calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional during a professional cleaning.

Eating a Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy diet is also important to maintaining good oral health. It can help you prevent the development of dental problems like cavities, as well as more serious issues like gum disease. A balanced diet can also support a strong immune system, which can help your body fight potential infections, including those that occur in your mouth.

Drinking plenty of water is also recommended, as it helps to wash away food particles and sugar from the mouth.

Quitting Smoking

Although smoking is a bad habit, it is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. It increases your risk for gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, throat cancer, and tooth decay. It also decreases your blood flow, which makes it harder to heal from oral surgery.

Regular Dental Visits

In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, you should also see your dentist regularly. Your dental team can catch cavities in their early stages and take steps to prevent them. If it's time for your next checkup, call our dental team.

Eating Nutritious Snacks

Eating nutritious snacks throughout the day is a good habit for maintaining good oral health. Instead of snacking on sugary and starchy foods, opt for snacks that are crunchy, chewy, and full of fiber. Try snacking on apples, carrots, celery sticks, and other crunchy vegetables. For something sweet, try dried fruits like raisins, dates, and dried apricots.

Please reach out to our dental practice at 17952 SW Blanton St, Aloha, OR 97078, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bronitsky. Call us at (503) 649-5665 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.