For most of us, we wake up each morning to the same routine. We get out of bed, use the restroom, take a shower, get dressed, grab a coffee and a quick bite to eat, and then we are out the door! However, is there something you left off of your to-do list this morning?
Our team at Shelby Dental Center wants you to be aware of the importance of proper oral care, which should include a good brushing in the morning—and before bed!
Why Is Dental Health Important?
Good dental health is more than just having a good smile. When your oral health is well maintained, it can also affect your overall health and quality of life.
Poor oral health can lead to oral health problems, such as gum disease, chipped or cracked teeth, and cavities. However, unhealthy oral habits can also contribute to the possibility of other serious health problems like:
Heart attack
Stroke
Poorly managed diabetes
Preterm labor
When you care for your mouth, you are also taking better care of your overall health—and that is something to smile about! Therefore, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is something that should be a lifelong commitment.
Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums!
By including proper dental care in your day-to-day life, you can greatly reduce your risk of oral health problems while enjoying a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth!
Let’s take a look at ways you can keep your teeth and gums as healthy as can be day after day.
First, you want to make sure you brush your teeth when you first wake up, as well as before you go to bed. While most of us are good about brushing first thing in the morning, it is really important that we brush at night to help rid our mouth of the germs and plaque that was built-up throughout the day.
When brushing, make sure you are not just hurrying through it. You want to really make sure you are taking the time to brush properly so that you are removing plaque and preventing gum disease. (Hint: Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to be sure you are brushing your teeth for a good amount of time!)
Also, you want to make sure you are not forgetting to brush your tongue when you are brushing your teeth, as your tongue can have plaque build-up and be the source of bad breath.
Finally, you want to ensure you are flossing every day—at least once a day. Flossing doesn’t just help to remove stuff in-between teeth. It is just as important as brushing since flossing can:
Stimulate gums
Reduce plaque
Lower inflammation
Eat Your Way to Better Health!
While brushing and flossing still remain number one in caring for your dental health, you can also promote a healthy mouth through the beverages you consume and the foods you eat!
For instance, drinking water after every meal can be a great way to reduce the damage caused to your teeth by acidic foods and beverages we consume on a daily basis. In addition, crunchy fruits and vegetables are a great source of healthy fiber, which is also beneficial for promoting strong and healthy teeth!
Also, sugary foods can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. Therefore, do your best to limit your sugar intake to promote a healthy smile!
Don’t Forget About Dental Visits!
Although your own daily oral health habits are important in promoting a healthy mouth, you also need to make sure you visit the dentist regularly. While most research recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year, some people might benefit from even three to four visits a year to help prevent potential dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease.