Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is the pinnacle of overall health. It’s true that studies have linked poor oral hygiene to an increased risk of comorbidities such as heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. Just as healthy nutrition and regular exercise help ward off diseases, maintaining oral health ranks just as high on the priority list! Today on the blog, our general dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares four oral hygiene rituals you should start now so that you can reduce your risk of certain diseases.
Brush twice a day for two minutes each time
Brushing your teeth is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, lowering your risk of cavities and gum disease. Everyone gets plaque buildup, which is a by-product of the bacteria in our oral microbiome. The foods and beverages we consume fuel these bacteria. Sugar and carbohydrates, like chips, bread, and crackers, cause the bacteria to secrete even more acids that damage tooth enamel. Saliva is our body’s natural defense at rinsing away bacteria and maintaining pH in the mouth. However, it’s not enough. You still should brush at least twice a day and do so for two minutes each time. Be sure that you’re using a fluoridated toothpaste and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush for the most effective clean.
Floss every day
Most people have brushing their teeth down pat, but many more skip flossing. Flossing is the equivalent of brushing between your teeth. Skipping this step means that you aren’t cleaning one-third of your tooth’s surfaces. Just think about it. Would you only wash two-thirds of your body when you shower? Eww! Sounds pretty gross, and most people wouldn’t do such a thing. Treat your mouth as good as you do the rest of your body by flossing after your last meal of the day. Flossing is even more imperative for patients with dental appliances, bridgework, or dental implants where food and bacteria like to hide. Not flossing daily increases your chance of developing cavities or gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.
Use an alcohol-free mouth rinse
We see commercials for alcohol-based mouth rinses that promise to kill up to 99% of the bacteria in your mouth. While these claims might be true, that stinging feeling you get from those products can be quite uncomfortable. You don’t have to experience that sting to know whether your mouth rinse is working. Alcohol-free varieties approved by the American Dental Association as just as effective. In fact, studies confirm that peroxide-based mouth rinses actually help kill COVID-19 (in the mouth), making them as effective at promoting good oral health as alcohol-based products.
See your Okemos dentist twice a year
The ADA recommends that everyone get a dental cleaning at least twice a year. The reason for these twice-yearly visits is because even with your best at-home oral hygiene practices, there will still be some amount of plaque left behind, and eventually, it calcifies into tartar. Tartar is very hard and cannot be brushed or flossed away. The only way to remove tartar is by a professional dental cleaning. Ignoring tartar buildup will cause gum infections (gingivitis or gum disease), and you’re more likely to get cavities between your teeth. Everyone gets tartar buildup, even dentists. Commit to these twice-yearly cleanings to keep your teeth and gums in great shape!
General Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan
If you would like to learn more ways to amp up your oral hygiene routine or schedule an appointment with a general dentist near you, call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733.