If you think that your dentist\hygienist is mainly responsible for your oral health, you are gravely mistaken. Your oral health is primarily your responsibility. If you don’t take care of your teeth and mouth, no one will. Contrary to popular belief, oral care is not just about brushing and flossing. Yes, they are your main weapons against cavities and gum disease, but there is so much more you can do to make sure your mouth stays clean and healthy. And so, we offer you these pearls: 5 tips for good oral care.

Why is oral care important?

You may not realize it, but your mouth is the gateway to your entire body. That means that problems inside the mouth could have a direct effect on the rest of your body systems. In fact, there are several pieces of research linking gum and periodontal disease to a multitude of general health problems including:

• Heart problems.
• Diabetes.
• Preterm labor and low birth weight babies.
• Rheumatoid arthritis and joint problems.
• Diminishing eyesight and eye infections.

So if you think “what’s the worst that could happen? I could lose a tooth? So what?” .. Think again.

5 tips for good oral care

1. The proper brushing schedule:

   An ideal brushing schedule includes brushing twice daily, one of which should be before bedtime. Your toothbrush should be a flat one, with medium consistency. You should also use toothpaste that contains a suitable amount of Fluoride according to your case. Your dentist or hygienist can help you in that aspect.

2. Floss, Floss, Floss:

   Flossing is not an option. It goes hand in hand with brushing in making sure your mouth remains clean. In many ways, flossing is more important than brushing. Only flossing can clean those shielded, difficult to clean areas between the teeth (where most of the problems start).
   One important thing to note here is that there is more than one method of flossing. If the string floss isn’t working for you, you can try an interdental brush, a floss pick, an air flosser, or a water flosser.

3. Chew sugar-free gum:

   Your dentist would definitely advise you against gum in general. But he\she will stress the benefit of sugar-free gum. It acts as a stimulant for the production of saliva, which has a washing and buffering effect and is capable of neutralizing the acids in the mouth. It also gives your muscles some exercise and shields you from jaw problems.

4. Rinse\drink a lot of water:

   Water is a very important weapon in your oral hygiene battle. Rinsing with water after every meal, as well as drinking a lot of water keeps the acidity in the mouth – which is the origin of all problems – at a minimum, and so could be what protects you from decay and gum disease.

5. Use a Fluoridated mouthwash:

   Fluoride adds layers of protection to the surface of the teeth. Your toothpaste should contain enough Fluoride to do so, and with the help of mouthwash, you would add even more protection.

Oral hygiene is not an easy battle. But if you keep vigilant and follow your dentist’s or hygienist’s instructions, you should be in the clear.

Goldkind Family Orthodontics in Morristown, NJ is your preferred choice for quality orthodontics and improved oral health care. To schedule an appointment call: 973-538-5067