Keeping your mouth healthy can help keep your whole body healthy too, as your oral health can have a knock-on effect on your overall health. If you don’t brush or floss the bacteria from your mouth away, it can build up and enter your digestive and respiratory systems, risking several health conditions. Endocarditis occurs when the inner lining of your heart valves become infected and is usually caused when bacteria or germs spread to the heart from other areas of the body (e.g., the mouth) via the bloodstream. If not treated quickly, this condition can lead to irreversible damage to the heart’s valves.
Research also suggests that oral bacteria could be associated with cardiovascular disease, which is when the heart becomes inflamed or infected. It’s essential to prevent cardiovascular disease where possible as it can lead to clogged arteries and strokes.
Read on to discover our top tips to keep your mouth healthy and help prevent bad breath, disease, and health conditions in the future.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home
Brush Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your mouth healthy. Regular brushing prevents the build-up of plaque and tartar and keeps your breath smelling fresh.
The best times to brush your teeth are first thing in the morning and before you go to bed, and you should brush for at least two minutes each time. Check out our free oral health guide for tips on perfecting your brushing technique, removing harmful bacteria, and keeping your teeth in great condition.
Interdental Cleaning Daily
Unfortunately, brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your mouth free of plaque (the sticky film that contains bacteria). Unlike a toothbrush, a TePe brush can get right in between your teeth to remove any plaque that has built up there. If plaque isn’t removed, it can build up and lead to gum disease in the future.
Interdental cleaning daily will help prevent fillings as when you don’t deep clean regularly, the bacteria in plaque feeds on sugar and food particles that remain in between your teeth. This plaque releases an acid that can eat away at your enamel and cause decay.
Whilst regular brushing, TePe brushing and flossing (to get the really tight spots!) may sometimes feel like a chore, they can help you avoid unnecessary dental treatment in the future.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and is even added to the water supply in some areas. Toothpaste containing fluoride is affordable and easy to buy from your local supermarket.
Using a toothpaste containing 1,350 – 1,500ppm of fluoride will help protect your teeth and keep your mouth healthy. If you are at a greater risk of tooth decay, your dentist may suggest using a toothpaste that contains a higher concentration.
2. Regular Dentist Visits
Don’t wait until you start experiencing pain or sensitivity to visit the dentist. Dentists and Dental Hygienists aim to prevent problems before they start, and they will make sure you are brushing and cleaning your teeth correctly between visits. They will also share tips to help you keep your mouth in excellent condition.
It isn’t always necessary to visit the dentist twice a year. Your dentist may instead recommend annual or quarterly check-ups based on the effectiveness of your current oral hygiene routine and your oral health.
During a dentist’s visit, your dentist or hygienist is looking for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer signs. If any of these are identified, they will discuss your treatment options and next steps. The earlier these are identified, the easier they will be to treat, so making time for regular dental appointments can save more expense in the long run.
At Mola Dental, we specialise in working with nervous patients. If visiting the dentist causes you anxiety or has been a while since your last appointment, let us know when you make your booking. We will do everything we can to make sure you are comfortable and have a positive experience.
3. Eat A Healthy Diet
A diet containing plenty of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A helps build and protect your tooth enamel (the outer layer of your teeth). The below foods are rich in these nutrients and help your teeth to stay strong and healthy:
- Milk
- Plain Yoghurt
- Cheese
- Leafy Greens (e.g., kale, broccoli, and spinach)
- Calcium Fortified Foods (e.g., cereal, canned sardines, tofu, and orange juice)
- High Protein Foods (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, and eggs)
Additionally, reducing the amount of sugar in your diet can help to prevent tooth decay. For example, if you take sugar in your tea and coffee, you could slowly reduce the amount or switch to a sweetener. You could also try using fruit to sweeten porridge or cereal instead of sugar.
4. Kick Bad Habits
Smoking isn’t just bad for your body; it’s bad for your mouth too. Smoking can lead to gum disease, bad breath, tooth loss, and oral cancer. It can also lead to an increased build-up of plaque and tartar and slower healing following oral surgery.
After quitting smoking, you are likely to experience significant improvements to your oral health. Your breath will be fresher, you will reduce your risk of disease, and your sense of taste will get stronger.
Not only can smoking have adverse effects on your oral health, but excessive drinking can be detrimental too. Many alcoholic drinks are acidic and high in sugar, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. What’s more, having one too many drinks also make you more likely to forget to brush your teeth before bed!
If you drink alcohol, it is best to stick to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units a week, spread over three days or more. You should also try to have a few drink-free days every week.
Looking To Improve Your Oral Health?
Are you looking for a dentist in Sheffield? Good news – Mola Dental is currently accepting new patients! To register, give us a call on 0114 317 7002 and speak to one of our friendly receptionists.
Additionally, be sure to download our oral health guide to discover how you can keep both your and your family’s mouths healthy between dentist visits.
