Having good oral health isn’t just about having a sparkly, white smile. Your smile should look healthy and whole, but your oral health affects more than just your appearance. So, what’s actually going on in your mouth?

Your mouth is the gateway to your whole body. This means that what’s going on in your mouth affects the rest of your body, too. Unhealthy teeth can lead to everything from inflammation to heart disease.

The best way to keep the rest of your body healthy is by taking care of your mouth. Here are the tips for doing that:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene at home is the key to preventing cavities and gum disease. Your daily oral routine should include brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once per day. You should brush for two minutes each time, and the recommended time to floss is just before you head to bed.

Practice Good Nutrition

You can maintain good oral health at home by practicing good nutrition. This means eating a balanced, nutritious, and whole foods diet. A healthy diet can help keep your gums healthy and strong and your teeth free of decay.

As part of maintaining good oral health care, you should avoid or limit your intake of foods that are high in sugar. This includes candy, soda, and other foods and beverages that are high in sugar. These foods cause tooth decay. Plaque bacteria rely on sugars to thrive, so when you limit the amount of sugar that you consume, you limit the plaque bacteria that thrive in your mouth.

Protect Your Teeth From Injury

Unfortunately, accidents happen. While dental injuries don’t happen often, they can still occur. You can protect your teeth from injury by following a few simple steps.

First, avoid chewing on hard items like ice and pens, as these can crack a tooth. If you play sports, be sure to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards can help protect your teeth from injury, especially when playing contact sports.

Stop Smoking

If you smoke regularly, your chances of developing gum disease are significantly increased. Even worse, gum disease may actually cause you to smoke more. Smokers are six times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. Once you quit smoking, your gums will begin to heal, and your risk of gum disease will decrease.

Use Alcohol-free Mouthwash

It’s important not to use alcohol-based mouthwashes because they can be too harsh for your mouth. Instead, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash that will reduce plaque and help prevent cavities.

Talk to your dentist about what kind of mouthwash will work best for you.

Use Fluoridated Toothpaste

Fluoride makes your teeth more resistant to tooth decay. It can also reverse early signs of decay.

Most toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss contain fluoride. So do many public water supplies. Talk to your dentist about the best fluoride product for you.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly 

Seeing your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings is the best way to maintain good oral health. During your regular visits, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of disease or other problems. They will also thoroughly clean your teeth to remove any plaque you may have left behind after brushing and flossing.

If you wish to learn more about ways to maintain good oral health, visit our clinic at Winning Smiles Family Dentistry, 7801 Old Branch Ave #206, Clinton, MD 20735. For appointments, call us at (301) 868-2004. We will be happy to guide you further.