Good oral care means taking care of your teeth and mouth by following proper oral hygiene habits and having regular dental visits. It is the key to maintaining not only an attractive smile but also good overall health. It can decrease your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as lower your risk of developing other serious health issues. With a healthy mouth, you can speak, eat, and laugh with confidence. Good oral hygiene also prevents bad breath. Here are a few oral care practices you should follow to maintain good oral health:

• Brush and floss regularly

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can keep your teeth healthy. It can prevent tooth decay and cavities by strengthening your tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid. Don’t forget to floss once a day, too. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque, a sticky film that contains bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay.

• Visit your dentist regularly

Your dentist will be able to clean your teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. The sooner your dentist is able to remove plaque and tartar buildup, the less likely you are to deal with these complications.

• Avoid tobacco use

Cigarette smoking can cause dental stains, tooth decay, and gum disease. It is also one major reason for oral cancer. If you don’t already have a smoking habit, never start it. And if you smoke, quit it all together at the earliest. 

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet

Eat a healthy and balanced diet. A poor diet can harm your oral health by causing a number of dental issues, including dry mouth, cavities, gingivitis, etc. A diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can be very harmful to your teeth. Sugary foods can stick to your teeth, feeding the bacteria in your mouth and causing plaque and decay.

• Wear mouthguards

The best way to protect your teeth from injury is to wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports or activities that could cause you to fall. Mouth guards are protective plastic appliances that fit over the teeth. They not only protect your teeth from injury, but they also help to prevent a number of dental issues, such as tooth grinding.

Schedule an appointment with Arden Dental Center to learn more about taking care of your oral health. We are located at 531 E. Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, Wheaton, IL 60187. Contact our team at (630) 529-0303 or visit our website to book a consultation.