Oral health complications such as cavities, bad breath, or gum disease can be a troublesome affair and could require multiple visits to the dentist. However, maintaining a regular, and effective dental care routine can go a long way to prevent these and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Here Are 4 Dental Care Basics to Keep in Mind:
Look at The Bigger Picture
Your dental health speaks volumes about your overall well being and shouldn’t be considered only for its cosmetic value. Poor dental health can be a sign of multiple diseases such as heart disease and diabetes and can lead to serious complications. One of the more dangerous risks of improper dental hygiene is that it can lead to infections that can spread throughout the body. On the other hand, taking good care of your overall health can also greatly improve your dental health.
Create a Dental Care Routine
Make sure to follow a dental care routine that involves regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and gentle circular motion, brushing your tongue, and flossing your teeth, twice a day, along with rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after every meal. Use a toothpaste with fluoride to prevent cavities and visit your dentist at least twice a year to clean your teeth and gums and detect any problems early.
Cut Down on Sugar, Coffee, and Alcohol
Beverages containing sugar, caffeine, or alcohol can cause a host of oral health complications. Sugar usually converts into acids in your mouth and can erode the enamel protecting your teeth. Coffee can lead to stained teeth and bad breath. Alcohol, on the other hand, can cause your gums to deteriorate leading to receding gums. To improve your oral health, consider drinking sugar-free alternatives, drink coffee with a straw, and limit your alcohol consumption.
Consider Supplementation
Eating crunchy vegetables and consuming milk and calcium-fortified beverages help build strong teeth and gums. Consider adding vegetables to your lunch and dinner plates and having a wide variety of dairy products. Additionally, you can also look to supplement with essential micronutrients such as Vitamin B, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, and Iron. All of these micronutrients are essential to maintain dental health and to prevent a host of ailments.