If you worry that you have been neglecting your teeth and gums, you are not alone. Nearly 90 percent of adults think they need to do a better job with their oral care. If you think that your oral care routine needs some work, here are some tips you can use to improve your oral health.
Why Is Oral Health So Important?
Many people do not see their oral health as connected to their overall health, but the truth is that teeth and gums can improve or worsen overall health over time. If you practice good oral hygiene, you are reducing the chances you will have tooth decay or periodontal disease. Both of these are infections caused by bacteria in your mouth. Poor oral health causes infections and inflammation, not only in your mouth, but the inflammation can spread and cause issues with your heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and brain. The better your oral health is, the less likely you are to have poor health overall.
How Can I Improve My Oral Care?
Your first step to better oral health may be a trip to our dentist. Dentists can assess your oral health, identify problem areas, and give you tips for better teeth and gum health. If you do not think you have a serious problem at the moment, there are some things you can do to make improvements to your oral health before your next visit.
First, be sure your toothbrush is soft-bristled and less than three months old. Old toothbrushes become ineffective at removing plaque over time. Next, be sure your toothpaste targets dental and gum health. You may want to look for toothpaste with both sodium and stannous fluoride to help protect your tooth and gum health. Be sure that you are brushing and flossing twice daily. If you use tobacco, think about quitting because nicotine damages your teeth and gums and slows healing time. The next time you have an appointment with one of our dentists, be sure to ask them what other tips they have to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
About Us | Hillsboro, OR | Cornell Dental Above all else, we here at Cornell Dental want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles. Learn more how we can do that here! Cornell Dental, 5880 NE Cornell Rd. Suite A, Hillsboro, OR 97124 \ (971) 397-6196 \ cornell-dental.com \ 11/28/2024 \ Page Terms:dentist Hillsboro OR \
If you worry that you have been neglecting your teeth and gums, you are not alone. Nearly 90 percent of adults think they need to do a better job with their oral care. If you think that your oral care routine needs some work, here are some tips you can use to improve your oral health.