How to Improve Your Oral Health

Poor oral health can adversely affect unborn babies and the heart. The culprit is bad bacteria in the mouth. Garland Home Care suggests some ways to check those bad bacteria to improve your oral health. 

Floss!

The importance of flossing after brushing has been repeated ad nauseam. Still, a survey of 2000 Americans revealed that over 500 of them don’t floss regularly. Generally, it is only necessary to floss at night. People with recurring gum disease or excessive tartar build-up should floss twice a day. 

Food particles between the teeth are food for dangerous bacteria. Flossing at night denies that bacteria an eight-hour repast. Keeping plaque from becoming tarter is the other reason to floss. 

Use an Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush is better than a manual brush. The motion of the bristles removes more plaque and food particles than a manual brush. A mechanical brush reaches areas of the mouth inaccessible to a manual toothbrush. People who have diminished motor skills find a mechanical toothbrush easier to use. 

If you use a manual toothbrush choose soft bristles. Hard bristles can damage teeth and gums. It is advised that people brush their teeth twice daily. 

Use an Antibacterial Mouth Wash

When you’ve bad breath you are smelling the bad bacteria in the mouth. Antibacterial mouth wash augments the effects of brushing and flossing. Thoroughly rinsing your mouth with water can wash some of the bacteria from your mouth. 

Get Your Water From The Faucet

It has been suggested that fluoridation of municipal water supply does more harm than good. The fact is fluoride in tap water reduces the number of cavities by 25%. Instead of getting your hydration from a bottle get it from a faucet. 

Dental Detergents

Caring for your teeth means avoiding sugary and acidic foods. When it’s not possible to brush your teeth some foods can sub in for a toothbrush. Apples, carrots and celery have been dubbed “dental detergents”. Chewing firm fruits and vegetables increases the production of saliva the month’s natural cleansing agent. Eschew acidic fruits. 

Cheese and milk neutralize the acid in the mouth without promoting tooth decay. Onions are a natural antibacterial. If you are going to have had breath better it should be from onions. The oil in cashews kills bacteria and wasabi prevents bacteria from adhering to teeth. 

Get Six Month Check-Ups

Oral health is about being proactive. For some a yearly dental checkup is sufficient. People prone to dental problems may need multiple check-ups in 12 months. The general guideline is to get a dental check-up twice yearly. 

Regular visits to a DDS mean minor dental health issues can be diagnosed and treated before they major dental health issues. Time takes its toll on everything and your teeth and gums are no exception. Your dentist can instruct you in adapting your oral health practices in response to the changing needs of your teeth and gums.