10 Tips For Good Oral Health

By Jude Fabiano

1. Brush properly• Position the bristles at a 45 degree

angle near the gum line, and gently brush the outer surfaces of the teeth with a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. !

• Repeat for the inside surfaces of the teeth.!

• Brush the surfaces of your tongue and roof of your mouth.!

• Brush at least twice a day.

2. Floss

• It can help you remove food particles and other detrimental substances.!

• Does what regular brushing just can’t.!• Allows you to reach deep between your teeth.

3. Avoid tobacco

• Tobacco causes oral cancer and periodontal complications.!

• Avoiding tobacco also saves you from the ill effects caused by trying to mask the smell of tobacco (i.e. candies, teas or coffee).

4. Limit sodas, coffee and alcohol

• They contain a high level of phosphorous, an essential mineral for oral health, but too much of it can deplete the body’s calcium level.!

• Beverages with additives like corn syrup and food dye make teeth appear dull and discolored.

5. Consume calcium and other

vitamins

• You need calcium for your teeth and bones.!

• Drink milk and fortified orange juice and eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese and other dairy products.!

• Don’t forget about Vitamin D, Vitamin B, copper, zinc, iodine, iron and potassium.

6. Visit your dentist

• Visit your dentist at least twice a year.!• They’ll take a comprehensive x-ray exam that can

help detect and prevent future dental treatments from occurring.

7. Use mouthwash

• Not that useful on its own, yet they help kill and maintain oral bacteria.!

• Serves as a great complement for improving your dental health.

8. Having a toothache

• Make an appointment with your dentist ASAP.!

• They can diagnose the underlying case and correct it before it becomes a bigger problem.

9. Look at the big picture

• Oral health is crucial to our total health picture.!

• Tooth problems can lead to diabetes, heart disease, systematic infections and an inability to eat or speak properly, among other things.!

• Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

10. Clean your tongue• Use a

professional tongue cleaner on a regular basis.!

• Bacteria living in your tongue contribute to bad breath and harm your dental health.