“I wish someone had told me this 25 years ago!” – A Healthy Mouth is part of a Healthy Body!

September 30, 2021

Easy Tips to Maintaining a Healthy Mouth!

October is Dental Hygiene Month!  We are taking this opportunity to help raise awareness on the importance of good oral health.  Keeping a healthy mouth and smile during our lifetime not only reduces the need for extensive dental work as we age, but it also helps decrease the risk of developing more serious health conditions that are often associated with poor oral health.

It’s never too late to start taking proper care of your mouth!  Here are a few steps you can take to maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth!

Brushing and flossing

We all know that we must brush at least twice a day and floss once a day, but there are things you can do get the most out of each brush and floss!

• Be sure to brush before bed! It is important to remove germs and plaque that build up during the day.  Letting food residue sit in your mouth overnight gives it a chance to decompose longer giving way to more bacteria and harmful germs.
• Take your time brushing, don’t rush! Brush gently for at least two minutes, brushing the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue.
• Use a toothpaste that has fluoride. Fluoride helps fight germs that can lead to tooth decay while providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
• Be gentle when flossing! Don’t snap the floss forcefully into your gums. Pro Tip:  Coat the dental floss with fluoride toothpaste, this not only eases the floss between your teeth, but it also helps the fluoride get in between your teeth!

Consider using mouthwash

Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride also helps promote oral health, allowing it to clean hard to reach areas in and around the gums.  Additionally, it reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, protecting your teeth from cavities.

Limit sugary and acidic foods

Sugary and acidic food wear down the enamel of your teeth which can lead to cavities.  Although it isn’t necessary to eliminate these foods/drinks altogether, it’s important to be mindful.

See your dentist twice a year

Although we do our best at home to keep our mouths healthy and clean, it’s important to have the pros take a look to make sure everything is as it should be!  Visiting your dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings helps spot cavities and potential issues early, preventing the need for more extensive and costly procedures.

FREE Oral Health Education Classes Available!

For a deeper dive into how you can take care of your mouth, please follow our YouTube channel where you can access FREE oral health education classes that can help you and your family prevent oral health related disease.