Take a minute to think about the state of your overall oral health. How would you rate yourself? Chances are, your score might not be the greatest — and that’s because we often ignore our oral health. Exercising and eating right are the ways that we take care of our body’s health, but the steps to improve your oral health may be a little less popular. Keep reading for a complete guide to good oral health.

Brushing

Brushing may seem like a no-brainer, but it isn’t just brushing that maintains your oral health. Regularly and thoroughly brushing your teeth is the key. Brushing is an important step in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, two of the most common oral health issues. You already know how to brush your teeth, but here are a few tips to make your brushing more efficient.

• Don’t rush. Rushing the brushing process will only cause you to miss some plaque on your teeth.
• Use a soft toothbrush. Although you should make sure to brush thoroughly enough, you shouldn’t be using a brush that will tear your gums and cause bleeding.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.

Avoiding Certain Substances

Another way to maintain your oral health is to avoid certain substances. For example, smoking has a negative effect on your teeth and your oral health in general. Smoking interferes with the normal function of your gum cells and affects the attachment of soft tissue to your teeth. This can leave you more susceptible to infections.

There are other substances that you should try to consume in moderation, as well. Excessive alcohol can irritate the tissues in your mouth and also compromise how fast you heal from oral surgeries. Sugar is another substance that should be consumed in moderation. Harmful oral bacteria feeds on sugar, so by reducing the amount of sugar you take in, you can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth — which can reduce your chances of getting gum disease.

Visiting the Dentist

Visiting the dentist is one of the most important ways to maintain your oral health. Patients are four times more likely to survive oral cancer if they visit the dentist regularly and get diagnosed early. Dentists not only look for diseases or ailments that could affect your oral health, they also thoroughly clean your teeth and remove plaque. Dentists can also provide advice about any other issues you have with your teeth or gums.

Barganier & LeCroy Dental

Here at Bargainer & LeCroy Dental, we care about your oral health. If you don’t already perform these steps to maintain a healthy mouth, we can help you get started! If you’d like to learn more about how you can improve your oral health, contact us today.