How Can You Maintain Good Oral Health At Home?

Your oral health affects your overall health. The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body, so poor oral health can have serious impacts on overall health. For instance, gum disease can further increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Here are some simple tips that can help attain a beautiful smile:

Brushing and Flossing

Daily brushing and flossing are perhaps the most important things you can do at home to maintain your oral health. These habits remove plaque and invisible bacteria from your teeth and gum line, helping to keep your mouth healthy.

Plaque is a soft, colorless layer of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. If plaque remains on teeth for too long, it will begin to irritate the gums, leading to gum disease.

When good oral hygiene is maintained, the gums and teeth are healthy. This means that the risk of tooth loss is lowered. Tooth loss can lead to issues with biting and chewing and can affect the aesthetics of your smile.

Good Nutrition

Foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are good for your teeth. Foods that are rich in vitamins C and D also support good oral health.

Calcium and phosphorus promote healthy tooth enamel. Calcium is especially important for younger children since it’s necessary for tooth development.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Good sources of vitamin D include sunlight, vitamin D-fortified milk, salmon, and tuna.

Tobacco Cessation

Tobacco use is one of the most destructive habits when it comes to oral health. The use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco can easily stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and increase your risk for oral cancer.

Many dentists go so far as to strongly recommend quitting smoking and tobacco products. If you struggle with tobacco cessation, ask your dentist about ways you can quit.

Regular Dental Checkups

In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s also important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help detect any dental problems early on, helping to prevent the need for more invasive treatments.

Call us at (773) 880 5080 to book an appointment with us. You can also visit Stone Dental Group-SE Chicago Dentistry at 2845 N Sheridan Rd #914, Chicago, IL 60657. We will assist you further.