It’s always important to speak with your dentist or physician about special considerations regarding your personal oral health, but this National Oral Health Month, we are sharing some general tips to keep it in check. After all, the health of your mouth is the window into your body, may affect organs and when not at its best, may impact your chances of contracting certain conditions.1
- Brush teeth twice per day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Floss once per day. Most people floss when they brush their teeth at night, but it doesn’t matter when you floss. However, if you feel something lodged in between your teeth, don’t ignore it. It’s okay to break the floss out for removing debris in your mouth throughout the day.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash every day after each brushing.
- Go to the dentist twice yearly for an exam, even if you have implants or dentures.
- Don’t smoke and if you smoke, quit.
- Limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages or those that may stain teeth.
- Eat a well-balanced diet, stocked with fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
- Drink fluorinated water.
- When you visit the dentist, tell him/her about medications you are taking. Many medications can affect oral health, but there are often ways to prevent or treat this side effect.2
- Harder bristles on your toothbrush don’t equal better. Use a soft-bristled brush unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
- Angle your toothbrush by 45 degrees to the gums when brushing the gums and brush in a circular motion. Brush for two minutes to ensure you get a great cleaning.
We do complimentary oral cancer screenings at each checkup, but if you notice anything unusual on your tongue, gums, or teeth prior to your appointment, let us know and we will provide a full examination to help determine the root cause.
About Belle Meade Dental
Belle Meade Family Dental serves patients in Flowood, Brandon and the surrounding areas of Rankin County. We offer same-day crowns, cosmetic and restorative procedures, cleaning and prevention services, dental implants, tooth extraction and facial aesthetic services. At Belle Meade Family Dental, we aim to provide the ultimate patient experience with the highest level of quality care.
1https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene, Accessed May 14, 2024.
2https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/tips.html, Accessed May 14, 2024.