Everyone knows that they should brush and floss their teeth daily to keep their mouth healthy and their smile bright. But there are other things that a person can do to contribute to their oral health. Here are some mouth care tips for a healthier smile:
Eat Those Crunchy Vegetables
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds upon the teeth, especially after eating sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria release acids that can eat into the tooth enamel and cause cavities. One way to keep down plaque between brushing and flossing is to eat raw vegetables such as raw celery or carrots. These vegetables stimulate the mouth to produce saliva, which washes away the acids.
However, a person shouldn’t eat anything right before they go to bed unless they’re prepared to brush and floss their teeth all over again. Particles of food from a midnight snack stay in the mouth overnight.
Avoid Sugary Drinks
Avoid sugary drinks as much as possible, and replace them with plain water or milk. One trick a person can use if they can’t resist sugary drinks is to sip them through a straw. This cuts down on the contact they have with the teeth and gums.
Avoid Tobacco
Avoiding tobacco not only means not smoking but refraining from chewing tobacco. Tobacco discolors the teeth and injures the gums because it encourages plaque where the gums meet the teeth. Not only this, but toxins in tobacco put a person at higher risk for oral cancer.
Drink Lots of Water
Water keeps the mouth hydrated and encourages the production of saliva, which washes away acids and sugars on the teeth and gums. Ideally, the water should be fluoridated. Fluoridated water helps teeth remineralize after they’ve lost enamel. Many municipal water systems add fluorides to their water.
Use Mouthwash
A good mouthwash can help to flush away the debris that even brushing and flossing can’t reach and support the health of the mouth. This is because the ingredients in a good mouthwash kill bacteria and other pathogens in the mouth. Make sure that the mouthwash is also fluoridated. Fluoridation not only helps remineralize the teeth but sweetens the breath.
Scrape the Tongue
More and more people are learning to scrape or brush their tongue as the tongue also harbors bacteria. Not only will brushing or scraping remove bacteria, but it also freshens your breath.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
A person should visit their dentist at least twice per year. The dentist not only checks your teeth but the entire oral cavity as well.
Contact North View Dental
Residents of Ogden, Utah should schedule an appointment with our friendly and professional staff at North View Dental if they have questions about our mouth care tips. Contact us at 801-782-6681.