How Can You Maintain Good Oral Health At Home?

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and poor oral hygiene can lead to various health issues beyond just cavities and gum disease. Research has shown a link between oral health and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory infections.

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential habits for oral hygiene in St. Louis, MO, that can prevent plaque buildup, tartar formation, and bad breath. By taking care of your teeth and gums properly at home, you not only maintain a bright smile but also reduce the risk of more serious health problems down the line.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to oral health. Investing time in a proper dental routine now will pay off in the long run by keeping your mouth healthy and your body happy.

Good oral health begins at home. Practicing good oral health habits can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and many other dental issues. Listed below are some ways to maintain good oral health at home.

Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth

Dentists recommend brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day. This will help remove food debris, plaque buildup, and bacteria from your mouth before it has a chance to damage your teeth and gums. In addition to your daily care routine, there are a few additional steps you can take at home to prevent cavities and maintain your oral health.

Using Mouthwash and Fluoride Rinses

In addition to brushing and flossing, you can use a mouthwash or oral rinse to help combat bacteria and freshen your breath. Many types of over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel of your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with an alcohol-free fluoride rinse can help kill harmful germs that can cause bad breath and whiten your smile. Rinsing with mouthwash can also help remove leftover food particles that may be stuck between your teeth after you eat.

If you're on the lookout for a new mouthwash or rinse, contact our dentist in  St. Louis, MO, to determine which options may be best for you. They can also recommend the best at-home oral hygiene routine to maintain healthy teeth and gums in between office visits. 

Eating a Healthy Diet

Certain foods can support healthy teeth and gums. For example, crunchy vegetables and apples actually help clean teeth while you chew them because they remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Crunchy vegetables also strengthen your gums, which can help prevent tooth loss. Apples are high in fiber and water, which can help wash away stains on your teeth.

Other good food choices include lean meats and fish, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, leafy green veggies, citrus fruits, and beans. These foods are naturally low in sugar and high in vitamins and minerals that help keep your teeth strong and healthy.

When possible, try to limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages such as candy, cookies, soda, cake, juice, and sports drinks. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Visit our dentist in  St. Louis, MO, for regular examinations and cleanings. A professional cleaning will remove tartar and plaque buildup that has accumulated on your teeth over time, which your regular brushing regime can't remove on its own. Our dentist in 63103 will also check for any signs of decay or other oral issues while they are examining your teeth. Visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent oral health problems from developing in the first place.

Get in touch with our office, Karen J Harris & Associates, at 2000 Locust, St. Louis, MO 63103, or call (314) 231-4893 to learn more. Our team will be happy to have you here!