Developing A Good Oral Care Routine

Our mouths are used mainly for eating and communicating. Keeping it healthy is essential as we use it continuously and we expose our oral health to various activities daily. Establishing a proper oral health care routine is simple and a must to maintain our overall health and wellbeing. Besides routine visits to one of our dentists here at the Art of Dentistry Danville in Danville, VA, Dr. Jessica Owens, you must also avoid the following bad oral care habits.

Bad Habits to Avoid and How They Affect Your Oral Health

There is a range of habits that are detrimental to your oral health. First, is the excessive consumption of sugar. Sugar can cause the bacteria in your mouth to increase and therefore produce plaque at a rapid rate. What happens then, is that the plaque could develop into tartar that’s extremely hard to get rid of. In turn, this could lead to gum and tooth decay if not removed well.

The second habit you should avoid is smoking. Aside from the fact that smoking causes discoloration of the teeth and bad breath, your salivary glands could likewise become inflamed. Additionally, smoking could negatively affect your jawbone density, cause oral cancer, and gum disease.

Another thing you should avoid is brushing your teeth rigorously. This could aggravate and cause the gums to regress and the tooth enamel to wear down prematurely. Clenching, grinding, or using your teeth as a tool should be avoided too. Grinding your teeth or using them as a multi-tool could chip, crack, or wear down enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to decay.

Clenching could likewise cause painful discomfort that could then lead to cracked chipped teeth and lockjaw. Moreover, crunching on ice can damage the tooth enamel as well, leaving it more vulnerable to decay and tooth sensitivity. In addition, biting your nails frequently could cause your teeth to chip and crack. The bacteria under the nails can also increase the risk of infection in your body, ultimately affecting your overall health.

For children, the most common bad habit that should be avoided is thumb sucking. Based on how a child sucks his thumb, the teeth could develop crookedly and cause malformation in the roof of the mouth.

The Basics of a Good Oral Care Routine

The following are easy ways to establish a proper oral health care routine:

  • Going to your dentist in Danville, VA, at recommended intervals for cleanings and oral exams.
  • Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly.
  • Having a balanced diet and limit the consumption of junk foods.
  • Utilizing dental products that include fluoride (toothpaste, and/or mouthwash).
  • Drinking fluoridated water and using mouthwash.

Need More Oral Health Care Advice?

Dial (434) 792-0700 to set your appointment with one of our dentists, Dr. Jessica Owens here at the Art of Dentistry Danville in Danville, VA.

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