Your teeth and gums play an important role in keeping your body healthy. When you suffer from dental decay and gum disease, your diet suffers, and the infection in your mouth can spread and cause additional health problems. But when you keep up with dental hygiene, you lay the foundation for better overall health. Here’s what you need to know to keep your mouth healthy.

Do

Brush & floss correctly.

Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Twice a day, use circular motions to scrub every surface of your teeth, including sweeping the gumline. Once a day, floss between every pair of teeth in your mouth, pulling the floss tightly against each side of the gap to form a U shape before moving it up and down.

Work with your dentist.

Both daily dental hygiene and periodic dental visits are essential for tooth health. Your dentist will boost your tooth enamel with fluoride treatments, check whether there are any developing issues, and help you identify problem areas which need more work during daily care.

Protect your teeth.

To avoid tooth injuries, use a mouthguard during sports and other physical activities. If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard to keep them from getting worn down. Avoid using your teeth for anything they aren’t designed for, like cracking nuts or opening packages.

Don’t

Drink too much soda.

A number of different foods and drinks can deteriorate your tooth enamel, or leave stains which can only be removed through teeth whitening. The worst offender is soda. It’s acidic, full of sugar which encourages bacteria growth, and full of staining dyes. To avoid problems, limit your intake, and drink your soda through a reusable straw when possible.

Ignore small problems.

Cavities and gum disease don’t heal themselves — if left alone, they only grow worse. The sooner you can get them treated, the easier and less invasive that treatment will be. When you notice a problem with your dental hygiene or health, consult your dentist right away.

Let dental phobia get in the way.

Fear of the dentist is extremely common and can cause many patients to skip necessary dental visits. If you feel fear or anxiety about dental visits, talk to your dentist. They may be able to change their routine to make it easier for you to tolerate, or provide sedatives to keep you calm during your appointment.

If you need help with your dental hygiene, make an appointment with William U. Britton DDS, MAGD in Chillicothe, OH. Serving Jackson and Ross County, this ex-Navy dentist has 35 years of experience providing a wide range of service, including general dentistry and emergency treatment. To schedule a visit, call (740) 772-2225 or send a message online.