Celebrate Oral Health Month This March With These Mouth-Healthy Tips

If you’ve been neglecting your oral health lately, here’s the reminder you need to get back on track! March is Oral Health Month, and that means it’s a great a time to “Live Mouth Smart” by familiarizing yourself with these tips for a clean mouth. After all, your teeth do more than brighten your smile – they help you chew, speak, and laugh. It’s easy to take these things for granted until those abilities are compromised.

Here are some smart choices to make that reinforce the importance of good dental hygiene in Studio City.

Get Yourself to the Dentist

This is one of the easiest and most important things you can do for your oral health. Regularly visiting your dentist goes far beyond simple maintenance. This is also a great time for your dentist to assess your overall oral health, look for early signs of gum and other diseases, and guide you in making good oral hygiene choices.

Brush and Floss Every Day

If you’ve been lax lately, get back into the habit of brushing your teeth twice a day. Not only will you be able to keep cavities at bay, but you can keep your smile looking brilliant. Brush for at least two minutes, and always follow it up with flossing and a swish of mouthwash.

Protect Your Mouth

Preventing damage to your teeth is important because injury can seriously hamper your quest for good oral health. If you play contact sports, wear a mouth guard. When you visit the dentist, especially for kids, ask for sealants to be applied to your back molars to slash the risk of tooth decay by up to 80 percent, says the ADA.

Eat Healthy

What you eat has a direct impact on the health of your teeth. Too much sugar causes cavities, producing bacteria and acid that can make holes in your enamel. Choose healthy foods with calcium that add strength to your teeth. Cut out excessive carbs, sugar, and sweets that stick to your teeth. Brush after every meal if you do have sweets so all that sugar doesn’t sit there.

Drink Fluoridated Water

The ADA says that 70 years of scientific research has shown that fluoride in drinking water is effective and safe, preventing tooth decay by 25 percent in adults and kids.

Use the Proper Equipment

Use a fluoride toothpaste paired with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure it’s large or small enough to fit your mouth comfortably. If the one you initially choose is awkward or uncomfortable, try a different one. You may want to use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush to further reduce plaque and gingivitis; they tend to do a better job than manual brushing. They’re also more comfortable to use  for those with arthritis.

And don’t forget to brush your teeth the right way. Hold the brush at an angle so the bristles are pointing at the place where your gums meet your teeth. Gently use circular back-and-forth motions. Don’t be too aggressive in the interest of time. Take your time and go slowly.

Contact Studio City Dental Center

To brush up on more tips for good oral hygiene, book your appointment for your next dental visit today.