5 Ways to Improve Your Oral Health

Did you know that World Oral Health Day is coming up on the 20th of March?

In honour of one of our favourite days, we’re celebrating by helping patients keep their smiles healthy and beautiful. Check out these five helpful tips for easily improving your oral health that go beyond simply brushing and flossing each day.

1. Hydrate! Drinking enough water every day is important for keeping adequate saliva production in your mouth. Without proper hydration, you might suffer from dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth and the inability to rinse away debris from leftover food or drinks that can cause tooth decay.
2. Be conscious of sneaky sugar. It’s no secret that excess sugar in your diet can lead to tooth decay and plaque buildup, but just avoiding obvious sweet treats isn’t the only thing to be aware of. Check nutrition labels in your pantry for any of the following sneaky names for sugar: Sucrose, dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, and galactose.
3. Chew sugar-free gum. It’s actually proven to help neutralize plaque acids, therefore benefiting your oral health.
4. Give your tongue some attention. Most people think brushing and flossing is all about the teeth, but your tongue can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, if not cleaned properly. To clean your tongue, you can purchase a tongue scraper or a toothbrush that has a scraper on the backside of the bristled portion. This will help kick bacteria to the curb while also improving your breath.
5. Schedule a visit with us. Every six months, we’d love to see you in the practice for a routine checkup and clean to help keep your smile healthy for years to come. If you’re due for an appointment, we’re ready when you are. Give us a call to get a visit booked!