Proper oral health supports healthy teeth and gums and prevents tooth decay and other oral problems. Brushing and flossing daily with fluoride products, avoiding tobacco and consuming a proper diet are some the ways to keep your mouth healthy.
Brush Regularly
The American Dental Association reports that brushing teeth at least twice day will significantly remove plaque buildup and prevent gum disease. Proper brushing technique is performed by holding the brush at a slight angle against your teeth and gently brushing back and forth. This technique effectively cleans teeth and stimulates the gums to promote proper oral health. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months and look for products that are sealed with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
Floss Often
Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to proper oral health. Flossing is essential for teeth and gum health because it cleans the areas between your teeth and under the gum line. The ADA recommends flossing every day with waxed floss.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in both water and air. It has been successfully added to drinking water in the United States for more than 50 years, according to the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Fluoride is effective at promoting healthy teeth and gums in adults and children. The ADHA reports that fluoride prevents tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride also promotes strong tooth enamel by preventing the loss of minerals that help form it. Today, fluoride is present in many public drinking water supplies, toothpaste and mouthwash products.
Avoid Tobacco
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that avoiding tobacco products can promote oral health. Tobacco products such as cigarettes, pipes and various chewable forms have been reported by the CDC to promote gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer and infections. Individuals who smoke tobacco significantly increase their risk of developing gum disease by four times compared to people who don't smoke.
Proper Diet
Diet is a critical factor in maintaining oral health because everything you eat comes in contact with your teeth and gums. The ADA reports that foods containing sugar affect both plaque and tooth enamel. Plaque works with the sugars to destroy tooth enamel and promote tooth decay. The ADA recommends a balanced diet from each of the five major food groups such as grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and milk. Healthful snacks that contain little sugar are recommended to promote oral health. Those snacks include raw vegetables, non-sweetened yogurt and fruit. Soft drinks and sweetened fruit drinks that contain sugar have little nutritional value and are known to increase the risk of tooth decay.
