Tips to Maintaining Good Dental Health

Oral health refers to the overall health of your mouth. You can promote good oral health by practicing good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.

What causes poor dental health?

Poor dental health is caused by:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor diet (for both kids and adults)
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Stress
• Some medications (such as antihistamines)
• Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)
• Diseases such as diabetes

How to Maintain Good Dental Health?

Good oral and dental health can be achieved and maintained by following good oral hygiene practices along with regular dental checkups. Here is how you can have a healthy mouth and teeth.

• Brushing and flossing

In addition to regular professional cleanings, brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and flossing at least once a day is essential. If you’re wearing braces, it’s especially important to brush after every meal. Speaking with your dentist about specific brushing and flossing techniques will help you maintain good dental health, even while wearing braces. You may also want to consider rinsing your mouth with mouthwash, which helps remove food particles and plaque left behind.

• Regular dental checkups and Dental cleanings

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining a healthy smile. During these visits, we can perform a comprehensive oral exam to screen for common dental problems such as decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.

You need to visit the dentist two times a year for dental cleanings. These cleanings will remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated on your teeth since the last visit. Your dentist may use a sonic toothbrush to dislodge the plaque from your teeth. Then, they will polish your teeth to a beautiful shine.

• Seeing your dentist for any dental problems

You should visit the dentist if you experience any dental problems, such as sudden tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, bleeding or inflamed gums, or a loose tooth. Not seeing the dentist when you have dental problems can lead to more serious issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or tooth loss.

• Quitting smoking

Tobacco products stain your teeth, cause bad breath, and increase your risk of gum disease. It also weakens your jawbone, which can result in tooth loss. If you can’t quit on your own, talk to your doctor to discuss smoking cessation programs in your area.

• Avoiding foods and drinks that damage your teeth

Try to avoid chewing on ice, as this can cause the enamel on your teeth to chip. Similarly, try not to chew on pencils, pens, or fingernails. These also can cause damage to your teeth. 

• Using mouthguards when playing contact sports

A mouthguard is not just a protective device. A mouthguard also minimizes the risk of concussion while playing contact sports. By keeping the head and mouth properly aligned, the chances of a concussion are significantly reduced.

• Avoiding teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition. More than 10% of adults grind their teeth, and it can be harmful to their oral health. If you have anxiety, stress, or sleep apnea, you may be more likely to grind your teeth. Teeth grinding can cause tooth sensitivity, loosen teeth, and damage dental work. The condition can be treated with a mouthguard. Mouthguards can help prevent teeth grinding, reduce stress, and protect against other injuries to the teeth and jaw.

Visit Beautiful Dentistry at 2125 E Warner Rd #101, Tempe, AZ 85284 or call us at (480) 831-1700 to book an appointment.