Did you know there are 20 billion bacteria living inside your mouth that reproduce every 5 hours? Most importantly, when you don’t brush your teeth, these harmful bacteria multiply to become 100 billion within hours.
Unfortunately, these bacteria build up as plaque and cause tooth decay and several other gum diseases. If you want to maintain a healthy smile, it’s important to focus on your oral health and practice good oral hygiene every day.
For example, brushing after meals, flossing at least once a day, and using good antimicrobial mouthwash. Following healthy diets, minimizing starchy foods, and avoiding alcohol are also some ideal practices that help maintain good dental health.
There are numerous other things you can do to avoid cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. At Vista Dorada Dental, we know what it takes to maintain healthy teeth and better gum health. Here we have suggested some tips from qualified local dentists that help keep your mouth and body healthy.
Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3 to 4 Months
According to the American Dental Association, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Changing your toothbrush will help you clean your teeth properly as it becomes overrun with germs and bacteria that later cause different oral diseases. Moreover, the bristles of your toothbrush also get damaged with time, and they can’t clean the surface of your teeth properly.
When you replace your teeth every 3–4 months, you can prevent tooth decay, cavities, and several gum diseases. Make sure you rinse the toothbrush well and sanitize it for proper cleaning. You should not use that toothbrush again, especially if you have been sick, because it may reintroduce germs into your mouth.
Schedule Regular Checkups Every Six Months
One of the most common mistakes that leads to serious dental problems is failing to get regular dental checkups. It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months so that your dentist can detect any dental problems early on.
Regular visits to the dentist will help get a thorough professional cleaning, which prevents cavities, tooth decay, and other issues. With thorough cleaning, you can avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar and maintain ideal dental hygiene.
Avoid Smoking
Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco cause oral cancer. Not only that, but smoking also causes a lot of significant concerns, including tooth staining and different health issues like gum disease, which also leads to tooth decay. Therefore, one of the best things you can do for good oral health is to quit smoking immediately. Especially if you are over 60, you are more likely to get tooth decay and even oral cancer.
Use Dental Sealants
Most local dentists recommend using dental sealants because they can easily fill all the depressions and grooves of your molars and premolars. These sealants can efficiently protect your teeth from gum diseases, bad odors, cavities, and plaque.
That’s why it’s good to take advantage of suitable dental sealants regularly. Children and teens are ideal candidates for it because they are often careless and don’t brush their teeth properly, which causes a high number of cavities.
Examine Your Oral Health at Home on a Regular Basis
Regular dental checkups are excellent for maintaining good oral health, but certain issues develop within days or weeks, and it feels hard to arrange another visit to the dentist. In that condition, it’s recommended to do a quick scan of the inside of your mouth. Make sure you do it on a regular basis so you can detect signs and symptoms that could lead to serious dental problems.
It’s better to check the health of your teeth and gums regularly and look for anything unusual. Share this information with the dentists on your next visit, or if there is something extremely concerning, schedule an appointment right away to discuss the issue.
Regular self-exams are quite beneficial for good oral health.
Wash Your Toothbrush Holder
Do you remember the last time you gave the toothbrush container a nice scrub? Maybe in weeks or months? Your toothbrush holder is actually a breeding ground for lots of germs and bacteria.
It doesn’t just hold the toothbrushes, but it also has a lot of harmful germs that occupy the overall space. According to the National Sanitation Foundation, your toothbrush holders are probably the third dirtiest household item.
Soak it in hot water and disinfect it twice a month for thorough cleaning.
Conclusion
Good dental health leads to a healthy smile and a healthy body. If you want to keep your mouth in good shape and free from all diseases, then it is recommended that you follow the above-mentioned tips from local dentists in Gilbert, Arizona. You can also schedule your appointment for top-quality diagnostics without having to pay tons of money.
After all, your smile is the first thing people notice when they meet you!