4 Tips for Better Dental Health

A bright, pearly smile is not only a thing of beauty, it’s a sign of a healthy mouth. By not practicing good oral hygiene and keeping up with routine teeth cleanings and checkups, you put both your dental health and overall health at risk.

Tips for Healthy Teeth

Here is a list of easy dental tips to promote better oral health and overall health:

• Proper teeth brushing. Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the easiest ways to prevent damaging buildup. Be sure to place the bristles at a 45-degree angle at the gum line. Both the enamel and the gum should be touching the brush bristles. Use a back and forth, and up and down, motion across the outer surface. Use light pressure and brush gently to avoid damaging the enamel and gums. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the surface of your mouth. Bacteria builds in these areas, causing bad breath.
• Floss once a day. Although flossing is often avoided or neglected, it serves an important function when it comes to mouth health. Floss gets into areas between teeth and beneath the gums, that a toothbrush cannot reach. It removes food particles, bacteria, and debris that can reap havoc on your teeth and gums.
• Avoid tobacco use. Besides being hazardous to your health, tobacco use can lead to periodontal disease and oral cancer. It stains and yellows teeth enamel causes bad breath and enhances the damage caused by other substances.
• Make water your drink of choice. Limit consumption of alcohol, soda, and coffee. Stay away from anything acidic, staining, and sugary. Beverages full of dyes and additives can make teeth appear discolored or dull. Drink milk to boost nutrition and strengthen enamel. Don’t forget this dental tip, water is great for swishing and swallowing when brushing is not possible. It also hydrates better than any other beverage and doesn’t damage teeth.