4 Ways to Prevent Oral Health Problems

Oral health problems are conditions typically brought on by poor oral hygiene. You can usually prevent them by adopting good oral hygiene habits. 

Maintaining good oral health also helps you sustain good overall health, as your oral health affects your general health and well-being. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and scheduling routine visits to your dentist help to protect your oral hygiene. 

At Lee Dental, our skilled dentists, Julie Lee, DDS, and Clyde Lee, DDS, provide personalized care to children and adults in and around Frisco, Texas. 

Learn more about how to prevent oral health problems. 

What are common oral health problems?

Common signs of poor oral health include:

• Mouth sores
• Receding gums 
• Bad breath 
• Toothache 
• Loose teeth 
• Bleeding gums
• Tooth decay 

Left untreated, oral health problems can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease.

How can you prevent oral health problems? 

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent many oral health problems. Here are four ways to protect your oral health:

Brush and floss daily 

As a rule, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day for optimal oral hygiene. 

When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. And don’t skip your tongue. People often forget to brush their tongues, but doing so helps prevent oral health problems, especially bad breath.

Daily use of an antibacterial mouthwash can keep the harmful bacteria that cause many oral health problems at bay. Mouthwash also targets plaque buildup that leads to cavities.

Cut down on sugary drinks

You’ve probably heard this many times, but consuming sugary and acidic drinks with processed sugars can increase your risk of oral health problems. The sugar can stay in your mouth for long periods, resulting in cavities and other oral health problems. 

Drinking a lot of water and rinsing your mouth after consuming a sugary drink (or food) can help.. 

Eliminate bad habits 

Smoking and drinking alcohol in excess can cause and aggravate oral health problems. Smoking, for example, is one of the most common causes of gum disease and oral cancer. 

Quitting smoking and quitting or reducing drinking alcohol are two things you can do to boost your oral and overall health.

Visit your dentist regularly 

One of the most important ways to prevent oral health problems is to schedule routine visits for dental checkups. Generally, you should see the dentist once every six months. However, if you’re prone to oral health problems, they may advise you to visit more often. 

Living with oral health problems can be uncomfortable, often painful, and affect your quality of life. No matter the oral health problem, we have a solution for you at Lee Dental. Get started today by making an appointment online or calling 972-712-9000.