You can have an extremely healthy lifestyle but if you have poor oral health you will feel the effects far beyond pain in your mouth. Taking good care of your teeth is essential to overall good health. It can also help you avoid painful and expensive cavities, oral infections, and diseases like gingivitis.

Studies have also shown that plaque buildup on teeth can contribute to artery and heart disease, so regular brushing and flossing is an absolutely necessity. Good oral health can also help you avoid embarrassing conditions like bad breath or yellowing teeth.

Here is a list of tips that go beyond brushing and flossing:

Care

– Brush your teeth each night before bed and, when possible, after every meal.

– Choose your toothbrush wisely – a soft or medium head is best. Using hard bristles can damage your tooth enamel.

– Floss after you brush. If you do it every time, the habit will take over and it will not seem like such a chore.

– Be sure to brush your tongue as well as your teeth.

– Use an alcohol free mouthwash to avoid dry mouth.

– If you find yourself without toothpaste at any time, you can use baking soda and water, it is almost as effective, but don’t make this a habit.

– Brush your gums while brushing your teeth. Your gum health is extremely important; brushing stimulates as well as cleans.

Eat Right

– Consume as little sugar as you can and avoid overly sugary foods and drinks (soda & candy).

– Calcium helps strengthen your enamel – dairy foods in moderation are healthy choices for both your body and mouth.

– – Avoid foods that stick to your teeth or be sure to brush immediately after eating them.

– If you can’t brush right away, try chewing a piece of sugarless gum. This can help remove food particles from in-between your teeth.

– Limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruit and coffee. They can promote tooth decay and enamel wear.

– Take your vitamins! Deficiencies can cause oral decay and disease. Be sure you’re getting enough B vitamin, calcium, and other minerals in your food and supplements.

– Apples are tasty and help remove loose food particles while cleaning the surface of your teeth.

Dental Care

– Do not skip your cleanings or checkups. See your dentist at least every six months.

– Get a new toothbrush every two months. Keep it clean and free from germs.

– When you get a toothache, don’t try to tough it out. Call your dentist right away. Letting it go can cause it to get infected or abscess.

– Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco; both damage your teeth and gums and can lead to major health problems.

– If you have a change in tooth sensitivity or taste in your mouth, call your dentist right away. These could be signs of a more serious oral problem.