How Maintaining Your Dental Health

How Maintaining Your Dental Health Can Improve Overall Health TIPS AND STRATEGIES PROVEN TO GET YOU AN A+ ON YOUR NEXT DENTAL OR HEALTH EXAM. Since an early age it has been drilled into our minds that we should brush our teeth morning, noon, and night because we only get one chance on keeping the teeth we are given healthy. Being told to do something without comprehending the consequences if you don't can seem like wasted breath. With the plethora of dental hygiene products on the market it's never been easier (or tastier) to improve and maintain your oral health. Don't know how long you should brush your teeth? They have an app for that or a toothbrush with a built in timer. BRUSHING AND FLOSSING 2-3 times a day for at least 2 minutes is the best defense against oral disease. Remember to replace toothbrush every 3-4 months. The easiest and cheapest way to keep your teeth healthy is to brush and floss 2-3 times every day. It doesn't take much time or energy but the lifelong benefits are innumerable. Don't feel like regular flossing after meals? Invest in some disposable individual flossers to keep handy in your purse or wallet. Remember to keep an extra toothbrush on hand in case of a tragic animal, child, or toilet induced dental instrument sabotage. Trust me they happen. EATING FRESH FRUIT OR RAW VEGETABLES every day in lieu of sugary snacks helps maintain fresh breath, keeps teeth strong, and provides a portion of the essential vitamins & minerals necessary for overall health. According to the World Health Organization consuming fresh fruit or raw vegetables daily reduces risk factors to oral health. (www.who.int) The crisp texture destroys plaque on the surface of the tooth, and also freshens the breath by increasing saliva which washes away cavity causing bacteria. Softer fruits such as strawberries are natural powerhouses that have the ability to whiten teeth too! Maybe the old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" actually has a bit of truth to it. CHEWING SUGAR FREE GUM after each meal will increase saliva production thus reducing food build up on the surface of the teeth if brushing isn't possible. Next time someone asks if you'd like a piece of gum, don't become offended and think it is because you have suddenly contracted a bad case of halitosis. Take it! Chewing gum helps promote saliva production which cleanses the mouth after eating or drinking not to mention it will definitely take away some of the stink of that tuna on rye you just consumed for lunch.