We have two reasons to celebrate on March 20. It’s the first day of spring, and it’s World Oral Health Day!
World Oral Health Day began in 2013, when the FDI World Dental Health Federation wanted to dedicate a day to stress the importance of dental care, and how it is a necessary component of overall health.
7 Tips to Think Mouth Think Health
Your oral health reflects the health of your body. When you‘re thinking mouth, you’re thinking health, whether you realize it or not! Check out our 7 tips on how to do just that.
1. Teach Kids About Oral Health Early
Your kids are developing oral habits. These could either be good ones or bad ones, so make sure they’re the former! If your children learn the importance of caring for their teeth and gums early, this makes it more likely that they will have a healthy set of gums and teeth that last a lifetime.
2. Use Fluoride Safely
Teeth need to be exposed to fluoride, especially in children whose teeth are developing. This important mineral will help protect teeth against acids. Visiting the dentist every 6 months helps ensure that you are getting the proper amount of fluoride. They will put you on the right track and give you a fluoride treatment if necessary.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet That’s Low in Sugary Foods
Sugary foods and the bacteria in your mouth work together to form an acid that eats away at your enamel. To keep your smile healthy, cut down on sugar as much as you can.
If you do have something sugary, brush afterward, but be sure to wait thirty minutes! Eating causes the PH level in your mouth to take an acidic swing, so waiting 30 minutes gives it time to calm down. Brushing while your mouth is acidic can lead to damage.
4. Get Regular Dental Check-Ups
Even those who are diligent with their oral hygiene will leave some tartar behind, so it’s crucial to make it into the dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and checkup. This is also a good time to check in with your dentist and make sure there are no issues in your mouth that require attention.
5. Brush Twice a Day and Floss Daily
Sometimes the simplest things are the most important. It is crucial that you brush and floss your teeth in order to remove plaque and keep tartar buildup under control. Two brushes and one floss session per day is usually enough, but adding in an extra after you eat a sugary or high carb meal is a good practice.
6. Protect Your Teeth When You Play Sports
Any time you take part in an activity where you risk getting hit with equipment, suffering a blow to your head, or falling, wear a mouth guard! You can thank us later.
7. Don’t Smoke
Smokers have an increased risk for gum disease, bone loss, bad breath, and oral cancer. Just a few more reasons to quit!
You Can’t Have a Healthy Body Without a Healthy Mouth!
As we gear up for summer, many of us are setting goals to get in shape. If you want to get healthier, it’s important to start taking your oral health seriously. Following these 7 tips will get you there.