6 Tips for Maintaining Good Dental Health

Good dental health is the key to a great smile and to preventing other medical problems. Your mouth can be kept free of infections and diseases with some simple oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes.

In this article, our dental team at Robert A Saunders DDS PC & Brittany C Krog DDS in Fargo, North Dakota, share some simple and practical ways to maintain your dental health.

• Know Your Risk Factors

Every person is affected by different dental problems. Studies found that genetics can increase the risk of cavities, periodontal disease, and malocclusion. Regular dental care and visits to your dentist can help prevent these issues easily.

• Clean Your Teeth Properly

Angle your toothbrush at 45-degrees and brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Move the brush in gentle up and down and back and forth strokes for 30 seconds on each quadrant.

Follow brushing with flossing and use mouthwash. These steps are essential for cleaning the bacteria and plaque from the hard-to-reach places in the mouth.

• Clean Your Tongue

Studies found that the papillary structure of your tongue harbors oral microbes in its tiny crevices and pits. When allowed to accumulate, these bacteria coupled with food debris may cause decay and gingivitis.

Clean your tongue with a good quality tongue scraper or your toothbrush daily. 

• Replace Your Dental Supplies

Over time, the brush bristles become frayed and may damage your gums. Whether you use a manual or an electric toothbrush, most dentists will advise replacing it every 90-120 days. Keep a check on your mouthwash’s expiration date as well.

• Eat a Healthy Diet 

Avoiding sweet, sticky, and starchy foods reduces the number of bacteria and plaque on your gums and teeth. It also reduces mouth acids that wear down your tooth enamel and cause sensitivity. 

Have a drink of water to wash away the leftover sugar after snacking.

According to the ADA, the best foods for good dental health are cheese, milk, yogurt, leafy greens, nuts, raw crunchy fruits and vegetables, and probiotics.

Schedule Regular Dentist Visits 

Your oral health may be affected by asymptomatic conditions. When you visit your dentist every 6 months, it gives them a chance to spot and treat problems early. This helps prevent dental emergencies and the need for invasive and expensive procedures later on.

For more tips on how to maintain good dental health, call contact Robert A Saunders DDS PC & Brittany C Krog DDS at (701) 293-9886 or visit us at 2834 S University Dr, Fargo, North Dakota 58103.