Dental health is an essential part of overall hygiene. Did you know that 90% of adults have dental cavities? Even though cavities are common, it doesn’t mean that you should ignore this problem. If left untreated, a cavity can become worse and spread to other areas of your mouth or even into other organs like the heart or lungs if it becomes infected. To help prevent this from happening, here are four tips to maximize your dental health:
Stay hydrated
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you must drink plenty of water. This is not just a suggestion—it’s actually a necessity! Did you know that the human body consists of 70% water?
So, when people sweat all the time, it causes dehydration or leads to dry mouth or gum disease. That is why drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial, especially in preventing dehydration. If you need to get used to drinking fluids regularly, start small. For example, try keeping a bottle of water at your desk so that instead of reaching for another cup of coffee or soda (which will dehydrate you), you’ll have an alternative option available.
Drinking water will also help you avoid snacking between meals. If you’re feeling hungry, try drinking a glass of water first and see if that fills the void. If it does, you know that your body was just dehydrated and not hungry. Don’t let dehydration prevent you from smiling, particularly during summer. Drink enough water throughout the day to keep your body and teeth healthy.
Eat a variety of foods, with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables
One of the most important ways to encourage good oral health is eating various foods and emphasizing fruits and vegetables. According to American Dental Association, high-fiber fruits and vegetables will help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which help to fight off free radicals that can damage cells in the body. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is also beneficial because it provides more opportunities for hydration—something everyone needs!
You should aim for at least 4 cups (1 liter) each day to prevent dry mouth symptoms from developing due to dehydration caused by medication like antibiotics or antihistamines. However, if you find it challenging to eat enough fruit or veggies daily, try adding them to your morning smoothie or juice. This strategy could go a long way toward maintaining good oral health, so give it a try!
Keep your teeth clean by brushing twice a day
Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, and it’s up to you to keep them under control. Brushing your teeth twice daily is the best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay. According to a survey by Delta Dental, most adults in the United States (70%) brush their teeth twice a day, most often before bed and upon waking. It is estimated that the typical American spends 1 minute and 52 seconds on their oral hygiene routine.
Moreover, brushing for two minutes twice a day is the minimum time recommended by the American Dental Association. Even though 70% is good, 23% of Americans have gone more than two days without brushing their teeth. This includes 37% of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Admit it! Brushing your teeth is a hassle, and many people find it hard to do it daily. However, there’s no denying that brushing your teeth daily is a vital practice that will help you now and in the future. Besides, it would only take you 2 minutes. So, why not just give it a go?
Get an oral examination regularly
Having a regular oral examination is one of the best things you can do to take care of your dental hygiene. Oral exams are done to help find possible problems like tooth decay and gum disease. For all you know, you may require dental implants for your tooth loss. This will not only make you feel better but also improve your overall health.
In fact, eighty-five percent of adults believe it’s important to see the dentist at least twice a year. This is because going to the dentist regularly is vital for good oral health, which is why most adults like to go at least twice a year. As for dental care, 75% of adults say they’ll see the dentist over the next 12 months. However, the reported number of trips to the dentist may not reflect the actual number.
The CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reports that 64.3% of those between the ages of 18 and 34 have seen a dentist in the last year, while 62.7% of those aged 65 and over have done the same.
When you look in the mirror, you may see how your teeth appear, but there may be a lot going on behind your gums that you are unaware of. Dental professionals can both cure and prevent oral health issues. By seeing the dentist often, you can take good care of your dental health and identify any issues before they worsen.
In Closing
With proper care and maintenance, your teeth can last a lifetime. If you want to keep them healthy as long as possible, it’s important to be proactive about your dental health and preventative measures. These tips will help ensure your smile stays bright for years!
