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Good oral health is an important part of overall health. Oral health is integral to overall health because poor oral health can lead to other health issues. As per our general dentist, here are a few essential practices for good oral health. 

• Brushing and flossing regularly

Regularly brushing your teeth is vital to good oral health. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning and once at night before bed. This will help remove food debris and plaque from the surface of the teeth, which can contribute to tooth decay. Use a soft toothbrush that is gentle on the gums and brush in small, circular motions along the gum line. Don’t forget to also brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath!

You should also floss at least once per day to remove food particles between the teeth and along the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach. If you need help learning how to floss properly, ask your dentist to demonstrate it for you or recommend any tools that may make the process easier.

• Visiting the dentist every six months

Many patients skip out on regular dental hygiene visits because they fear their dentist will lecture them about bad habits they have developed over time. However, these visits are valuable to ensuring good oral health in the future.

At each appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and look for signs of trouble or decay. If they do not find any issues, they can continue their cleaning and polishing processes. If they do discover a problem, they will be able to treat it right away to avoid complications later.

These biannual visits are also key to helping keep teeth pearly white and clean. Plaque and tartar can build up on teeth quickly, so getting teeth cleaned regularly can help remove this buildup and keep smiles looking bright and healthy. Patients who do not attend hygiene appointments may find that their teeth become discolored over time due to plaque buildup.

Regular cleanings and exams are also vital for catching any problems with oral tissues before they develop into serious issues. For example, a dentist can catch early-stage gum disease in its earliest stages during a regular checkup. This can help them provide the appropriate treatment to resolve the issue before it causes serious damage to the smile.

When patients are diligent about scheduling regular visits with their dentist, they can enjoy better oral health and a better-looking smile.

• Eating a balanced diet

In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s important to eat a healthy diet to maintain good oral health. A diet that is high in sugar and carbohydrates may increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Developing habits like eating a well-balanced diet and limiting sugary or starchy foods can help promote a healthy smile for years to come.

Avoiding excess sugar is a simple way to help prevent tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar that remains on the teeth. By reducing your intake of these sugars, you can reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Maintaining a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients is essential as well. Calcium helps keep the enamel strong, while Vitamin D helps the body absorb that calcium. Vitamin D also plays a role in supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation in the body. These foods include fortified milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, fish, broccoli, and almonds.

Another important habit is reducing snacks between meals. Snacking frequently throughout the day can contribute to plaque buildup in between cleanings. If you do find yourself hungry during the day, choose raw vegetables as a snack. The crunching will help remove food particles that may have become stuck between the teeth as well as stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva helps to wash away food particles as well as neutralize acids from the bacteria that may have begun forming.

If you’re interested in learning more about preventative dental care, give our office a call today! We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about maintaining your oral health. Request an appointment or call Osuna Dental Care: Chris Y. Kim DDS at (505) 884-1989 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.