Ways To Maintain Or Improve Your Oral Health

24 January 2018
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


If you lived with a dentist, you would have the benefit of receiving round-the-clock advice about your teeth and gums. Most people do not live with a dentist. Nevertheless, their dental provider may offer beneficial instructions that could help promote good oral health between dental visits.

Here are a few things that many dentists believe can help protect or improve your oral health.

Use a Mouthwash That Kills Bacteria

Many oral health problems begin with the microbes that dwell in the mouth. Oral bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. 

The bacteria in the mouth excrete acid that demineralizes the enamel of the teeth, causing cavities to form. In addition, the acid from the microorganisms causes gum inflammation that leads to periodontal disease. Also, bacterial infections of the teeth, gums, and supporting structures are due to oral microbes. 

Bacteria-related oral conditions can become so severe that they result in tooth and bone loss, but there are ways to limit the number of bacteria in the mouth, decreasing the likelihood of tooth decay and microbial infections.

One way to lessen the number of bacteria in the mouth is to rinse daily with an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Mouth rinses that are antimicrobial contain active ingredients, such as alcohol or chlorhexidine, which kill the bacteria on contact. 

To receive the benefits of an antibacterial mouthwash, the mouth should be rinsed immediately following brushing and flossing. Some mouthwashes suggest that you rinse for 30 seconds. Others suggest rinsing for a minute a more. For the best results, be sure to follow the directions listed on the container.

Avoid Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated drinks are often preferred because of their taste and the fizziness of the liquid. However, many of these beverages contain sugar, which offers a ready food source for oral bacteria. In addition, the carbonation of a carbonated drink causes it to be acidic. The resulting acid eats away at the tooth enamel, just as bacterial acid does. Thus, your soda intake can have a direct impact on your chance of developing cavities. 

Instead of sodas, sugar-free drinks that are not non-carbonated are better options. The best option of all is water, since it can help dilute oral acids, rinse away food particles, and rehydrate the mouth. Also, water is often readily available. 

To learn more ways to maintain or improve your oral health, visit a dentist in your local area. Sites like http://www.brooksidedentalgroup.com can answer questions and offer more information. 


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