Steps You Can Take To Improve Your Oral Health

Oral health is a crucial part of life that often gets overlooked. Studies show that more than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay. There are many reasons why oral hygiene may get overlooked, but there are many steps you can take to improve it. Within this article we will be discussing several steps you can take that can dramatically improve your oral health.

Brush Twice A Day

If there is just one step you consider, it should be this one. Brushing twice a day is an excellent method of removing plaque build-up and food debris, both of which can lead to tooth decay. Brushing once in the morning and once before bed is a great habit to get into and can prevent serious dental issues later down the line. Consider investing in a decent manual or electric toothbrush for a deeper clean and use toothpaste that contains fluoride. 

Floss

Flossing is another step that goes alongside brushing to help remove plaque and food debris. Often, brushing isn’t enough to reach the bits stuck between our teeth, which is where flossing comes in. It you regularly feel like your teeth aren’t clean after just brushing, it could be because you aren’t getting in-between the teeth. Flossing is just an extra step you can take that will leave you feeling fresh and free of bad breath.

Consider Teeth Alignment

While some people choose to get their teeth aligned for purely aesthetic reasons, getting orthodontic work can actually be extremely beneficial for your overall oral health. Misaligned teeth can often be prone to heavy plaque build-up because the surface of the tooth is sometimes hidden. Therefore, when we brush and floss, we aren’t brushing the whole of the tooth which can potentially lead to tooth decay. By straightening your misaligned teeth, not only are you getting a nice straight smile, but you are also preventing potential tooth damage further down the line.

Have Regular Dental Check Ups

It should go without saying, but regular dental check-ups are the number one way to improve your oral health. Your dentist will be able to spot problems that you can’t, and often they can spot a problem in its early stages before it has done serious damage. How regular you see your dentist will vary, but often check-ups are between six to twelve months. 

Eat A Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can go a long way in improving your oral health. Eating too many sugary foods and drinks is scientifically proven to cause tooth decay, so it would be beneficial for your oral health to cut down on your sugar intake. If you do have a sweet tooth and can’t resist a treat, then you should make sure you wash your mouth out with water after eating sugary foods. Additionally, when drinking sugary drinks, try and drink through a straw instead so the sugar does not have direct contact with the teeth.