Five Different Ways to Improve Oral Health

When it comes to the mouth, teeth, and breath, a lot of people take care of their oral health because they are concerned with how their teeth look and how their mouth smells. But there are plenty of other reasons to improve your oral health. Whether you want to spend less money and avoid pain from procedures like root canals or just want whiter teeth overall, there are a variety of tactics you can use to make sure your mouth smells good and that your oral health is sound. Below are five different ways to improve your oral health.

Floss Every Day

You’re probably used to the dentist telling you this, but it couldn’t be truer. Flossing is integral to your oral health. If you don’t like using dental floss, try floss picks. These small picks are a great way to get the food out between your teeth. There are also water picks, which are like little tools that can provide a way to get food out of your teeth. After meals, you can also use toothpicks. Whatever your method is, getting the food out from your teeth every day is completely necessary.

Brush Thoroughly

In addition to flossing, you should brush your teeth thoroughly multiple times per day. Some people put some toothpaste on their brush, put it into their mouth for a minute, and think their job is done. You should brush for at least two minutes each time. One way to help you know how long to brush and to do it more effectively is to use an electric toothbrush. These brushes are more thorough than brushing with your hand, and they can even come with a timer to facilitate the process by stopping when it’s done.

Straighten Your Teeth

While you might not care about the physical appearance of your teeth, you should try to get them straightened for your oral health. Crooked teeth trap food between them and lead to more plaque build-up than straighter teeth. There are many ways to straighten your teeth. Between transparent teeth guards to braces, there are plenty of methods you can use to straighten your teeth. Whatever method you use, it will improve your oral health.

Increase How Many Times You Go to the Dentist Every Year

You might only go to the dentist once a year, but you can go every six months or even every three months for cleanings and consultations. Frequent cleanings will help avoid plaque build-up and cavities. The cleanings will be easier, with less pain and blood. You won’t have to do other procedures if you attend your dentist appointments for cleanings and follow their advice. Not only will you be able to clean your teeth more easily, it’s a great opportunity to receive a consultation for tips on other ways to improve your oral health.

Cut Down on Coffee & Cigarettes

Finally, one of the most important things you should do for your oral health is to cut down on how much coffee you are drinking and how many cigarettes you are smoking. Coffee and cigarettes don’t just lead to bad breath, overuse can lead to gum problems, the formation of bacteria can loosen and irritate your gums, and even other health problems. Tatar will also form when you smoke, causing bacteria to spread in the cheeks, gums, and teeth. Cigarettes lead to bad blood flow to the mouth and even oral cancer. Not only do coffee and cigarettes stain your teeth, but they can also cause permanent damage by weakening the teeth and leading to bad oral health.

While there are a lot of variables to your oral health, there are also many things you can do to improve it. The health of your mouth doesn’t just have to do with how yellow your teeth are and how your breath smells, it has to do with the plaque, Tatar, and bacteria growth that happens in your mouth. The vanity of teeth is one thing, but the health of your mouth is another. If you focus on having good oral hygiene and health, the appearance will follow. Healthy mouths also tend to have white teeth and good breath.