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Good oral health is about more than just keeping your teeth clean and cavity-free. A healthy mouth is a gateway to a healthy body. When your teeth are free from disease and your gums are healthy, you don’t have to worry about the side effects of poor oral health, including gum disease, tooth loss, and bad breath. Maintaining good oral health helps you stay in control of your overall health. Here are a few tips for maintaining good oral health:

• Brush your teeth regularly

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is important. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, which can weaken your enamel and lead to cavities. It’s also important to brush your tongue. The tongue houses a lot of bacteria, which can easily lead to bad breath.

• Floss daily

Flossing daily removes plaque and debris from between the teeth, where regular brushing is unable to reach. So, flossing is equally important to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. 

• Use mouthwash

Mouthwash is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. It freshens your breath and removes plaque and bacteria. It also reduces your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. A mouthwash can be an antimicrobial mouthwash or fluoride mouthwash. An antimicrobial mouthwash works to kill bacteria that linger in your mouth, whereas a fluoride mouthwash contains fluoride to help fight cavities. 

• See your dentist regularly

Many patients don’t see their dentist as much as they should. Sometimes, it’s because of fear or anxiety. However, your dental health is too important to ignore. Seeing your dentist regularly can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and oral diseases.

Good oral health requires work both inside and outside of your mouth. Your dentist takes responsibility for your mouth, and you have a responsibility to maintain it. Your dentist is capable of keeping your mouth healthy, but you also have to do your part.

• Quit smoking

Smoking can compromise your oral health. It can cause bad breath, yellowed teeth, and an increased risk for gum disease and oral cancers. When you smoke, you contract oral bacteria. These bacteria can stick to your teeth and irritate your gums. So, one of the best things you can do to your mouth is to quit smoking.

• Reduce your alcohol intake

Consuming alcohol on a regular basis can dry out your mouth, causing dry mouth. Dry mouth can eventually lead to tooth decay. If you must drink alcoholic beverages, try to limit your intake to one or two drinks at once. Drinking beverages through a straw may also help reduce the amount of liquid that goes down your throat.

• Use mouth Guards atnight

Nighttime tooth grinding and clenching are fairly common. In fact, around 10-30% of adults grind or clench their teeth. This habit can cause severe damage to your teeth, sometimes resulting in the need for restorative treatment, like dental crowns or dental implants.

The best way to protect your smile from these types of dental issues is to invest in a custom mouthguard. Mouth guards are an easy and affordable way to protect your teeth from the wear and tear of grinding and clenching.

Rivermark Dental at Santa Clara is happy to educate and provide exceptional dental treatments to the community. Please schedule an appointment online or call us at 408-988-7788 to have a consultation with our dentist, and we will be happy to assist you further.