Best Practices To Maintain Good Oral Health

Good oral health is important because it increases your quality of life. It prevents bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and more. It also gives a good first impression. People who practice good oral hygiene are more likely to have healthy teeth that look and feel great. Here are a few practices that will help you maintain good oral health:

• Practice good oral hygiene

Brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste and flossing your teeth once a day will help remove food debris and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that, when added to toothpaste, can help strengthen the enamel on your teeth. This helps to prevent tooth decay in minor cases. Rinsing with an ADA-accepted mouthwash can also help remove bacteria and food particles from your mouth. These oral hygiene habits are generally considered the fundamentals of maintaining good oral health. 

• Keep regular dental appointments

You should visit the dentist every six months for preventive care. During these appointments, we will perform cleanings, exams, and other services to check your condition, clean your teeth, and detect any problems. 

• Eat a healthy diet

At your dentist’s office, they will probably recommend a diet that is rich in calcium and potassium. These substances are essential for keeping your teeth strong. Without the right amount of calcium and potassium, your enamel can break down and weaken, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay. It is also important to reduce the intake of foods that are high in sugar, acid, etc.

• Avoid tobacco use

Tobacco use is one of the biggest risk factors for developing oral cancer. The carcinogens and toxins in tobacco can be absorbed by the oral tissues, which can damage cells and tissues. In addition to oral cancer, smoking tobacco can increase your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

• Protect your smile when playing sports

Participating in sports is a great way for teens and adults to stay active. However, athletes are also prone to dental emergencies, including mouth and tooth injuries. That’s why it’s important to wear the appropriate protection when playing sports.

Custom-fitted sports mouthguards can prevent damage to the teeth, gums, face, and jaw. These dental devices can also cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of a concussion.

• Replace missing teeth

When a tooth is missing, the jawbone underneath will begin to change shape. This is because the tooth is no longer present to stimulate the jawbone. This causes the bone to change shape as it no longer receives the necessary stimulation. Over time, the jawbone will change shape, which can affect your appearance and cause other teeth to shift and move into empty spaces.

Dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement option, as they mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. This is because they are attached to the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

Please reach out to our dental practice in Kansas City, KS, to have a consultation with our dentists, Dr. Moreno and Dr. Tejada. Please call us at (913) 647-1900 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.