June is Oral Health Month
June is Oral Health Month! National Oral Health Month has been recognized by the American Dental Association and us in the oral care industry since 2012. It’s a good reminder that oral health is important not only for your teeth but also for your general health and that oral health and summertime go together like smoked ribs and a backyard bbq!
Oral Health and your Overall Health
Oral health can have a significant impact on your general health. Bacteria might enter your circulation and spread throughout your body if you have decayed teeth, as is the case with tooth decay. This might lead to serious infections and even heart disease.
Gum Disease can quickly become severe enough to cause pregnancy complications and heart disease. Gum disease, in particular, can have a significant negative impact on your health by causing general inflammation. Furthermore, rotting or painful teeth might make it more difficult to consume nutritious foods, which can have a significant impact on your health.
Not to mention the psychological well-being disadvantages of not having a beautiful and healthy smile. Dental disorders are a common cause of reduced productivity, dating, and personal opportunities, which can contribute to overall lower self-esteem.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. There is a LOT you can do to help keep your smile as bright as that Texas June sunshine!
How to Maintain Good Oral Health?
- Cut out tobacco products
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Smoking and/or chewing tobacco and a healthy smile DO NOT mix.
Tobacco users are more than 6 times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. It can add additional plaque to your teeth and it can weaken your immune system making it harder to fight future infections.
- Regular visits to the dentist, every 4 -6 months
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral health is to visit your local Lindale Dentist for a check-up.
Dental appointments to remove plaque and tartar from teeth located beneath the gums. This helps to prevent not only cavities but bone loss. These every day but critical appointments allow your dental team to polish, floss, and assess the overall condition of your teeth.
- Eat a healthy, unprocessed diet
Eating healthy is not just good for your muscles and your skin – it’s also essential for your teeth! Maintaining a healthy diet helps to feed your teeth what they need to stay strong and healthy, and helps your body to fight oral infections when/if encountered.
- Avoid acidic beverages such as orange juice and carbonated beverages
It’s been long claimed that carbonated and sugary drinks are awful for your teeth and they are right!!
These drinks can not only wear away at the enamel that protects your teeth and also coats them and your entire mouth in the cavity-causing bacteria’s favorite snack sugar!.
This in combination with the fact that these typically aren’t part of a healthy, unprocessed diet can be doubly damaging.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal
You can improve your dental health by brushing and flossing after each meal to maintain your lovely smile is one of the easiest ways to improve your dental health. Brushing and flossing allow you to get rid of food and plaque that accumulates between teeth and gums. Brush your teeth and tongue for at least 2 minutes with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and follow with some floss.
Pro-tip: Keep a mini-set of dental tools (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss) at work to clean your teeth after lunch, and never miss an opportunity to keep those pearly whites pearly and white.
- Use antibacterial mouthwashes
Antimicrobial mouthwashes can help to prevent plaque formation, infections, and bad breath. A quick swish and spit can go a long way, so be sure to keep some on hand.
Schedule your Appointment with The Center For Implant and General Dentistry This June!
We meant it when we said that summertime fun and oral health go together like smoked ribs and a BBQ! June is the perfect time to get back on track with your oral health and with all the kids out of school and our AWESOME Central AC there’s never been a better time to come relax at the dentist!
So schedule your appointment with the specialists at The Center for Implant and General Dentistry today!