How To Improve Oral Health

Wondering how to maintain or improve your oral health? Dentists recommend the following oral hygiene habits:

• Brush your teeth: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft bristle toothbrush, and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your tooth enamel. 
• Dental check-ups: Plan to see your dentist once every six months for a check-up. During dental exams, your dentist can detect early signs of cavities and other issues, such as gum disease, and recommend treatments to prevent these issues or keep oral health problems from worsening.
• Floss: Flossing involves using floss, dental picks, or water flossers to remove food particles caught between your teeth, helping to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, bad breath, cavities, and periodontal disease.
• Healthy habits: Develop healthy habits, such as drinking fluoridated water and consuming foods that promote good oral health, such as milk, yogurt, nuts, fatty fish, kale, apples, and other fruits and vegetables. Avoiding bad habits that jeopardize the health of your teeth and gums, such as smoking, is another way to protect your oral health. 
• Invest in dental cleanings: Schedule a dental cleaning by searching “dental hygienist near me” and finding one nearest your location. Dental hygienists inspect your mouth and help to prevent dental issues by removing tartar, plaque, and bacteria. 

Dental emergencies are unexpected dental issues arising from health problems or injuries. Some signs you’re having a dental emergency include the following:

• A loose tooth
• A numb tooth
• A lost tooth
• Bleeding gums
• Dental abscess
• Fatigue
• A metallic taste in your mouth
• Severe headaches
• Swollen jaw

You can call your dentist’s office to discuss your symptoms if you have a dental emergency.