How to Improve Your Dental Health
Poor dental health not only causes local problems such as tooth pain and bleeding gums, but it can also have a negative effect on the health of your whole body. In fact, gum disease, which can arise as a result of poor oral hygiene, has been correlated with several systemic health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, reproductive health problems, and more.
The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is by preventing problems before they start. As a result, good oral health is more associated with a healthy lifestyle and healthy habits than you might realize. Consider the following tips to enjoy better dental health.
Top 5 Tips for Better Dental Health
1. Brush Regularly, the Right Way
Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day breaks up plaque, prevents tartar (calculus) from building up on the surface of the teeth, reduces your risk of tooth decay, and helps reduce the amount of harmful bacteria living inside your mouth.
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so that the bristles make optimal contact with your teeth and gums. Additionally, be sure not to press too hard, as this can actually damage your gums and tooth enamel.
2. Floss Daily
Floss at least once a day. Try to pull the floss around each tooth, creating a “C” shape that hugs the surface of the tooth to remove plaque and bacterial buildup.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a diet filled with vitamins to support your immune system, antioxidants to reduce inflammation, and minerals to shore up the structure of your teeth will improve your oral health.
4. Use Products Containing Fluoride
Fluoride is another great way to strengthen your tooth enamel. It can be found in nutritional supplements, some water supplies, and a variety of dental health products.
5. Visit a Dentist Regularly
The best way to achieve good dental health is with regular visits to the dentist.
Schedule a Preventative Care Appointment in La Mesa
If you’re ready for your next dental exam and cleaning appointment, then we encourage you to contact Cardinal Dental in La Mesa to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Paul Michels. In addition to professionally cleaning your teeth and examining your teeth and gums for early signs of disease, we can also talk with you about professional preventative dental care including dental sealants, in-office fluoride treatments, and more.
