Tips To Maintain Your Oral Health

Good oral health is a vital part of our overall health as well. Keeping your mouth healthy and free of disease and decay is important for more than just preventing bad breath. Poor oral health can lead to poor overall health, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Here are a few tips for maintaining good oral health. 

• Brush, Floss, Rinse

Whether you have implants, dentures, or natural teeth, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes per session using a soft-bristled toothbrush. After brushing your teeth, carefully floss between every tooth and under the gum line to remove plaque buildup. Then, use an alcohol-free rinse to thoroughly cleanse your mouth of debris. 

Maintaining good dental hygiene at home will help keep your smile healthy and attractive for years to come. Practicing these helpful tips will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems.

• Regular Dental Check-Ups

Some patients think that they can skip regular visits to the dentist, but we recommend having your teeth examined every six months to catch any potential problems early. These appointments also allow your dentist to examine your teeth and gums for any issues thoroughly. Our dental hygienist will clean your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth. They will also polish your teeth to help remove surface stains from coffee, wine, soda, and other foods that tend to discolor teeth. Tooth polishing also makes your teeth feel smoother and helps remove minor surface damage like small cracks or small areas of decay.

Without regular check-ups and cleanings, you have a higher risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the tissue around your teeth caused by bacteria in dental plaque. This infection can eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Additionally, patients who do not see a dentist on a regular basis are more likely to have tooth decay or other issues that require restorative treatments. This means that you would need to pay more out of pocket for these services than you would if you received a regular check-up every six months.

• Stop Smoking

Smoking causes yellowing of the teeth, gum recession, and bad breath. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible to protect your oral health. Talk to your dentist about improving your oral hygiene after you’ve quit smoking. They may recommend more frequent cleanings to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth. They may also suggest certain products or treatments to help restore your oral health. It’s never too late to quit!

• Oral Cancer Screening

Did you know that your dentist is trained in cancer screening? While oral cancer does not receive much attention from the general public, it is one of the most common cancers out there. In fact, someone in the United States is diagnosed with oral cancer every hour of every day. This is why routine oral cancer screenings are important. Studies show that early identification of cancerous or precancerous lesions is associated with increased survival rates and better outcomes for the patient. An integral part of every dental exam is screening for oral cancers. During your exam, the soft tissues inside your mouth will be examined for any abnormalities or signs of disease. If anything is found, we will refer you to a specialist for treatment. 

To learn more tips to maintain good oral health, call Jolly Family Dental at (501) 758-7462, book online, or visit 4601 Fairway Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72116. You can also find us at Jolly Family Dental - West by calling (501) 228-6360 or visiting us at 14309 Cantrell Rd Ste 6, Little Rock, AR 72223.