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Oral health refers to the health of the mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. The mouth is the gateway to the body and needs to be clean and free of problems so that the rest of the body remains healthy. A mouth that is unhealthy can affect the rest of the body. This can occur because bacteria in the mouth can go into the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.

Besides, when your mouth is free from dental problems, your smile looks its best, and you can enjoy eating your favorite foods without worrying about pain or infection. Here are a few tips to make sure you maintain good dental health.

• Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Teeth may become stained over time. This can happen due to drinking a lot of coffee, tea, wine, or other foods that are naturally dark. To combat this, try brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Also, be sure to brush your tongue as plaque can build up and discolor your tongue.

• Floss Daily

Toothbrushes can only reach 70% of the tooth, which can leave plaque behind. Using floss helps to remove plaque from the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach, like the spaces between teeth. It is recommended to floss daily as it can help to prevent plaque and gum disease.

• Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet can help you maintain good oral health. Foods that are full of vitamins, minerals, and fibers can help boost your immune system, which can improve your overall oral health. A healthy diet can also help prevent cavities and gum disease.

• Get Regular Dental Checkups

Routine dental checkups are the best way to prevent tooth loss, gum disease, and oral cancer. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and routine cleaning. These checkups allow the dentist to look for warning signs of common oral health issues and provide preventive treatments to protect your oral health.

• Wear A Mouthguard

Protect your teeth against injury when playing sports. A mouth guard is a comfortable, removable way to protect your teeth from trauma. It also keeps your teeth from grinding together, which can wear down your enamel. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about having a mouth guard customized specifically for your mouth.

• Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, are highly addictive. They also contain thousands of chemicals that can damage oral tissues, teeth, gum, and oral tissues. Tobacco products can cause oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and stained teeth. Quitting smoking or using smokeless tobacco is the only way to ensure good oral health.

• Stay Hydrated

When your mouth is dry, it results in less saliva production and can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. To prevent this, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Also, make sure to use a fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash.

• See Your Dentist if You Notice Any Dental Issues

Many patients avoid visiting their dentists because they are afraid of what they might find. However, missing your dental appointments can result in problems that are much more serious, such as gum disease, cavities, or even oral cancer.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact your dentist right away.

• A sore in the mouth that doesn’t go away
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding
• A lump or sore on the gums
• A mouth or throat sore that bleeds and does not heal

To find out more about the dental services offered at Harbor Dental, call (970) 377-2456 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 2726 Illinois Dr. #101, Fort Collins, CO 80525.