Do You Have Good Oral Health? Answer These Questions to Find Out!

Having good oral health is more than just brushing every day and flossing once in a while. Your mouth is an entire unit that requires regular care—both at-home and in the dentist’s chair! As we age, our mouths become more susceptible to oral health problems like gum disease, so taking proper care of our teeth and gums is vital.

How can you know if you have good oral health? By answering these questions, you can find out where you stand when it comes to excellent oral hygiene!

Do You Follow the Two Minutes Two Times Rule?

The two minutes two times a day rule refers to brushing your teeth. This means that for two minutes two times a day, you should be gently brushing your teeth! Do you brush your teeth for the full two minutes, and do you actually take the time to brush twice a day? If you answered no to even one of these questions, you could be setting yourself up for subpar oral health!

Do You Floss After Meals?

Flossing once a day is crucial to help clean the surfaces of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. By flossing after meals, you can effectively remove plaque and trapped food particles that would otherwise affect the protective enamel layer of your teeth. Floss is easy to keep with you and flossing can help clean teeth and gums better than brushing alone.

Are You Eating a Healthy Diet?

What we eat has a huge impact on our health. Eating lots of sugary foods will create an imbalance of good and bad oral bacteria in your mouth. When the bad bacteria take over, your mouth becomes acidic and your enamel is subject to damage. This can cause cavities, sensitive teeth, and bad breath! By eating a well balanced diet with lots of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, you can maintain excellent oral health.

How Often Do You Replace Your Toothbrush?

If it’s been more than three months since you’ve replaced your toothbrush, you’ve got a problem. Soft- bristled toothbrushes are the best kind to have since they’re gentle on your teeth. Your soft-bristled toothbrush doesn’t have to fray to mean it needs to be replaced. Dentists agree that three months is the maximum amount of time before getting a new one due to its daily use and bacteria exposure!

Do You Smoke?

Smoking greatly increases your risk for oral diseases, including gum disease and oral cancers. If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting can help restore your oral health. Talk to your dentist about setting a date to quit!

How Often Do You Visit Your Dentist?

Speaking of dentists, how often do you visit yours? You should be visiting your dentist at least once a year, ideally every six months. Some people may need to see the dentist more often, some less often. Your dentist can assess your oral health and let you know what’s appropriate for you. Visiting your dentist can not only help prevent oral health issues, but also keeps your mouth clean and healthy!

So how good is your oral health based on your answers? Maintaining proper oral health is a habit that’s easy to make. By ceasing use of tobacco products, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist, you can help your smile to stay healthy for life. Of course don’t forget to brush and floss—and replace that toothbrush if it’s been longer than three months!

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Do You Have Good Oral Health? Answer These Questions to Find Out!
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Do You Have Good Oral Health? Answer These Questions to Find Out!
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By ceasing use of tobacco products, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist, you can help your smile to stay healthy for life.
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