Three of the most common mouth and dental problems are bad breath, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. When left untreated, they can lead to cavities, abscesses, and pain. Fortunately, some of the common oral health practices can prevent these issues and keep your mouth healthy.
Visit Your Dentist
According to the American Dental Association, adults in the United States view oral health as important, with 93% of those surveyed stating that visiting their dentist on a regular basis helps to keep them healthy.
Regardless of how impeccable your dental routine is, only your dentist can remove built-in plaque, remediate issues stemming from an impacted wisdom tooth, and accurately assess any issues that you may have with your tooth, gums, and tongue. Regularly visiting your dentist is one of the best steps to ensure that your mouth always stays healthy.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
Don’t use an overly hard, stiff toothbrush: it will scratch your gum line and cause it to eventually recede. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. When brushing your teeth, use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes to remove debris and compacted plaque.
Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Bad breath does not come from your gums or teeth, it comes from your tongue. Take your toothbrush and brush the white coating on your tongue. The white coating is the result of an overgrowth, which is further exasperated by bacteria and accumulated dead cells that have become dislodged in your tongue’s papillae.
Include Baking Soda in Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Not only can baking soda deodorize living spaces, but it can also deodorize the mouth, killing harmful bacteria that cause infections in the mouth. Add a pinch of baking soda to your toothpaste and toothbrush and use the abrasive to gently exfoliate the tongue to help prevent bad breath.
To learn more about keeping your mouth healthy, contact our courteous staff to set up an appointment.