Tips to Care for Oral Health At Home

We all know how important it is to care for your oral health. However, there are several other things you can do at home to improve and maintain your smile. Listed below are some tips to care for your oral health at home.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Everyday

A big part of maintaining oral health at home is brushing twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Also, flossing once a day can help remove plaque from between teeth, which can lead to gum disease. Flossing is especially important if you wear braces because food particles tend to get trapped in between the wires and brackets of braces.

Avoid Sugary Food

Foods that are high in sugar or acid are especially bad for your oral health, so try to avoid them as much as possible. If you do eat these kinds of foods, make sure to brush afterward to remove bacteria that can contribute to cavities and cause other oral issues. Drinking plenty of water is also great for oral health by rinsing away debris and leftover food. Water also has fluoride in it to strengthen tooth enamel.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating well is a simple way to maintain your dental health. Eating a variety of nutritious foods is an easy way to get all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy. Swapping refined foods with fresh fruits and vegetables will help ensure that you consume enough vitamins and nutrients to keep your mouth healthy. For example, consuming citrus fruits provides the vitamin C that helps keep gums strong and healthy. Vitamin C is also found in many orange fruits and vegetables. 

If you find it difficult to consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day, consider making a smoothie. Smoothies are often made with whole foods like fruit and yogurt. This can help give you a quick boost of energy in the morning or mid-afternoon while ensuring that you consume plenty of natural sugars throughout the day. 

See Your Dentist Regularly

Seeing your dentist every six months is important for your oral health and also for your overall well-being. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, looking for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Specifically, they will look for any early signs of gum disease and gingivitis. Gum disease can be painful and lead to bone deterioration if left untreated. Your dentist will also check to see if you are brushing your teeth correctly and if any of your habits are putting you at risk for cavities. At each visit, you will receive a full mouth cleaning to keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy.

Additionally, regular dental visits are important for maintaining your overall health. Research indicates that poor oral health can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and more. A visit to the dentist can help you keep your smile looking and feeling its best and can also offer an opportunity to talk with a professional about any additional health concerns you may be experiencing.

Please reach out to iTooth Family Dentistry in Springfield, MO, to have a consultation with our dentists, Dr. Robbins or Dr. Fincel. Call Dentist in Springfield, MO, at (417) 883-8515 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.