June is oral health month. What better time to offer up a few hygiene tips and tricks for healthy teeth and gums? Research has proven there is an undeniable link between oral health and overall wellness. When you take care of your mouth, you’re taking care of your whole body. Today, your Denver dentist at Metropolitan Dental Care explores 5 things that can help you enjoy optimal oral health for years to come.
Has it been a while since you’ve been to the dentist? If so, schedule a visit at Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver or Lone Tree. Call us today at 303-534-2626.
#1: Brush properly.
Everyone should brush a minimum of twice a day. If you can brush after every meal, even better. To reduce the risk of gum recession and enamel erosion, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your Denver dentist also recommends using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. This helps preserve natural tooth structure and protect against cavities and harmful bacteria.
#2: Floss every day.
Cleaning between the teeth is just as important as brushing. This should be completed once a day. It doesn’t matter if you floss in the morning, after lunch, or before bedtime – just make sure you’re doing it every day. Talk with your Denver dentist about the different floss aids that are available. If conventional floss isn’t effective in some areas, we can recommend dental picks or interproximal brushes.
#3: Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
The bacteria found in plaque feed on sugars. When you consume large amounts of sugars and carbohydrates, you increase your risk for caries (tooth decay). Instead of sodas, choose water. Not only does water help wash away bacteria and debris, but it also hydrates your body – which is certainly a plus in the summer heat!
#4: Eat a well-balanced diet.
We know that what we eat affects our general health. But did you know it also affects our oral health as well? Choose a wide variety of foods, including plenty of leafy greens and fresh fruits and veggies. Foods such as apples, cheese, and lean meats are excellent choices. In fact, cheese even helps neutralize acid by promoting natural saliva production.
If you do eat something sugary, your first instinct may be to brush your teeth immediately. While it’s important to brush, we recommend doing so after about 30 minutes. Brushing too soon after a sugary meal can actually damage the enamel.
#5: Visit your Denver dentist regularly.
You could adhere to every single step listed above. You could practice perfect hygiene at home. You could eat a healthy diet. But unless you visit your dentist regularly, your work is in vain. It takes a few months for oral bacteria to repopulate. Brushing and flossing at home can keep harmful microbes at bay for a while. But eventually, you’ll need a professional cleaning for effective care. Your hygienist can clean areas that are hard to reach with brushing and flossing alone. Additionally, your Denver dentist can detect and treat problems early on, before they progress. Routine dental visits are an essential element to overall health.
Contact Your Denver Dentist Today
Celebrate oral health month by scheduling your dental exam and cleaning at Metropolitan Dental Care. Invest in your oral health and enjoy a lifetime of benefits. Call us at 303-534-2626 or contact us online anytime.
