As we kick off the new year, if you haven't already, let's start prioritizing your oral health. A healthy mouth will lead to a healthier body! Much like how mental health has evolved for the better and the stigma for getting help has lessened, let's do the same for oral health. Going to the dentist doesn't have to be a scary experience!
Gum disease is easily preventable and with these tips, we'll be able to ensure to keep it at bay for as long as possible (hopefully forever)!
Tip #1 - The most obvious tip BRUSH AND FLOSS
It goes without saying that the first and most important tip is to brush twice a day and floss after meals and at the end of your day. Establishing a routine with your oral hygiene will make it seem less like a chore and more like every day life, like drinking water!
Tip #2 - Drink lots of water
Drinking water will hydrate you from the inside out! Not only will drinking water help wash the mouth of food particles but when you drink water before bed it can help hydrate your mouth. Having a hydrated mouth can help lessen the symptoms of dry mouth, which is a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Moral of the story, water is your friend.
Tip #3 - Choose the right toothpaste for you
If you look down the oral care section at the drug store it could look very intimidating with all the different choices there are. Now, a lot of those choices could be the same thing with different packaging, but the important part is what each toothpaste is catered to. There's whitening, dry mouth, fluoride, no fluoride, sensitivity, so it can be quite confusing. Your providers know a lot about your teeth so they can point you in the right direction. Having a toothpaste that targets your needs will play a key role in keeping those gums nice and healthy!
Tip #4 - Get in the habit of rinsing after a meal
We're taught to rinse with mouthwash when we brush in the morning and at night, right? Well what about in between those times throughout the day, such as after meals? Well, in the new year, we'd like to challenge you to start rinsing after each meal throughout the day! Now this rinse doesn't have to necessarily be a mouthwash. Even if you take just 30 seconds to swish some water around could be extremely helpful! By doing so, you are dislodging tiny microscopic food particles that serve as a food source for the bad bacteria that causes plaque and decay.
Tip #5 - Continue routine care with your dental provider
Let's face it, going to the dentist isn't exactly "fun" per say, but it is a key role in keeping your teeth and gums and in turn your body nice and healthy! Routine visits will keep track of your oral health and if anything were to arise, we'd be able to catch it early on and treat with minimal damage.
It doesn't always have to be a daunting task, though. The first part in establishing routine care is finding a provider that fits your needs. This applies to a hygienist and a dentist. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find a healthcare team that fits your needs. That will make going to the dentist a little more exciting!