Routine Changes You Can Make At Home To Boost Your Oral Health

This year, we have spent more time at home than usual. The pandemic has forced us to rethink how we approach our dental care, putting more onus on the individual to take care of their own oral health. With restrictions lasting for months, you may have missed a regularly scheduled dental appointment or two. So, what should you do to make sure you're taking extra precaution when it comes to your oral health during these unprecedented times? Improve your daily oral health routine.

Oral health is directly linked to our overall health and poor oral health can lead to major health complications. Making routine changes is always important as it contributes to your overall wellness. Below are some tips you can implement into your routine to help boost your oral health at home.

Drink More Tap Water

There are a lot of benefits to drinking more tap water every day. Water helps keep you hydrated, but it will also help you feel full between meals. Tap water generally also contains fluoride, which is proven to be very beneficial for your teeth.

Fluoride toothpaste and regular dental visits, are great ways to help protect your teeth. However, taking advantage of the sources of fluoride you have at home is beneficial during your time away from the dentist.

Eat A Nutritious Diet

Focus on eating a healthy balanced diet and limit your regular sugar intake. This will help to prevent tooth decay, as sugar is a main culprit.

Raw, coarse, and fibrous foods can help to scrub against tooth surfaces, removing some of the plaque that’s accumulated on your teeth. Consider adding extra foods such as celery, cucumbers, apples, pears, carrots and lettuce to your diet. These foods also stimulate saliva, which helps in neutralizing acids that contribute to tooth erosion.

Sugar-Free Gum After Meals

Building off our previous tip, sugar-free gum after meals increases saliva production. Saliva is your natural defense against tooth decay, as it reduces bacteria levels in the mouth and flushes out food debris. 

Make sure you are chewing sugar-free gum, as gums with added sugar will contribute to tooth decay, not help fix it.

Consider An Antibacterial Mouthwash

If you still feel like you often have bacterial build-up on your teeth that is contributing to bad breath, incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash to further cleanse your mouth and boost your oral health. Using a mouthwash allows you to access crevices and clean germs off of soft tissue that may not be able to be reached with a brush. If bacteria is consistently left in these areas it may lead to cavities and gingivitis.

Improving Your Oral Health Between Dental Appointments

Incorporate these tips into your daily routine to help boost your oral health. Remember, there is no replacement for regular dental visits, but improving your at-home routine is a great way to help maintain your oral health. 

To book your next appointment, contact us today.