What can I do to maintain good oral health?
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American Dental Association answered:Oral health touches every aspect of our lives but is often taken for granted. Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. Systemic diseases, those that affect the entire body, may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems.
You can practice good oral hygiene by always brushing your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, replacing your toothbrush every three or four months and by eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks. Your dentist may also recommend an antimicrobial mouthrinse as part of your oral hygiene routine. Don't forget to schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your smile, and yourself, healthy.
Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulOral health touches every aspect of our lives but is often taken for granted. Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. Systemic diseases, those that... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Here are some suggestions for halitosis, guidance for gums, and tips for tooth care:- Investigate any changes in your oral health.
- Brush in the morning, at night, and after meals with a soft toothbrush or African chew stick.
- Use a tongue scraper along the length of the tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria.
- Use an antiseptic mouth rinse.
- Floss between teeth and inside the crease where the gum and tooth meet.
- Keep well hydrated, and avoid mouth breathing.
- Don't smoke or be near someone smoking (that can cause smoker's breath too).
- Try chewing neem leaves, green cardamom, cloves, parsley, guava peels, and gum mastic for breath control.
- Visit the dentist regularly.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulHere are some suggestions for halitosis, guidance for gums, and tips for tooth care: Investigate any changes in your oral health. Brush in the morning, at night, and after meals with a soft toothbrush or African chew stick. Use a tongue... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:There are several easy, but important, steps that you can take to maintain good overall oral health. They include:
- brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
- flossing at least once a day
- eating a well-balanced diet with few snacks between meals
- remembering to change your toothbrush every three months
- visiting your dentist at least twice a year (if you have diabetes, are pregnant, or have other conditions, you may need to go more than twice a year)
These five small steps can make a big difference to the health of your mouth and your body in general.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThere are several easy, but important, steps that you can take to maintain good overall oral health. They include: brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste flossing at least once a day eating a well-balanced diet with... More -
Dr. Abraham Speiser answered:Have a dental examination and a professional cleaning twice a year. Find problems early and you will save your teeth. A good diet and oral hygiene are key. And stay away from destructive habits that will break your teeth, like chewing on ice.
Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulHave a dental examination and a professional cleaning twice a year. Find problems early and you will save your teeth. A good diet and oral hygiene are key. And stay away from destructive habits that will break your teeth, like chewing on ice. More -
Dr. Gerry Curatola answered:Here are my 4 cornerstones to maintain oral health:- Brush and Floss Regularly - Okay, I said it -- but eliminate harsh, detergent-based toothpastes and alcohol-based mouthwashes which have been shown to disturb and denature the natural ecology and important bacteria that live in the mouth. GO NATURAL and gentle. One of my favorite natural secret weapons for oral health is neem bark products. The twigs were traditionally used for tooth-brushing in India and Asia. Neem bark (also a powder or oil) has polysaccharides in it that have been found to have pH-balancing, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties.
- Good Nutrition - Follow my "A-list" nutrition: foods which are antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, and alkaline-forming. This diet is rich in green leafy veggies, fresh juices, colorful berries, and organic protein. It is low in sugars, artificial sweeteners, and refined carbohydrates that promote a more acidic environment.
- Manage Stress - A damaging influence in most of the body, stress is a killer to your mouth as well. It results in a decrease in the flow of protective saliva which increases your risk for both gum disease and tooth decay. Stress also causes parafunctional oral habits such as clenching and grinding of your teeth (click here to read my last blog on this topic), which can damage your teeth, jaw joint (TMJ), and dental work.
- Get Regular Exercise - A good fitness routine, both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise, is essential for oral health, promoting a better circulatory system, and a stronger and more competent immune system as well. A number of studies have found that runners have a low incidence of gum disease for these very reasons.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulHere are my 4 cornerstones to maintain oral health: Brush and Floss Regularly - Okay, I said it -- but eliminate harsh, detergent-based toothpastes and alcohol-based mouthwashes which have been shown to disturb and denature the natural ecology and... More
