Review, Refresh, & Restore Your Dental Care Habits!

May is National Dental Care Month! This health observance reminds us to review our dental care habits and ensure we are doing what it takes to maintain great oral health.

Dental care habits such as brushing and flossing daily can help you maintain a healthy and bright smile. They can reduce the risk of dental diseases such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Benefits from Dental Care Habits

Dental care and healthy lifestyle habits contribute to a healthy mouth. They can help you enjoy everyday activities, such as chewing nutritious foods, smiling, and speaking clearly.

Growing evidence also connects a healthy mouth with a healthy body. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can lower the risk of serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. For example, if an infection is present in your mouth, your bloodstream can carry the bacteria to other areas of your body. Click here for an infographic on how poor oral health can impact the body.

Refresh Your Dental Care Habits

Dental care habits can help us feel better and improve our quality of life. They can lower the need for restorative or emergency dental care, saving you money in the long run. Consider the following healthy habits. Look for any you can start, refresh, or maintain for a healthier smile and overall well-being.

Revive your home dental care:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly, but gently, twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day. Need a flossing refresher? Click here for a short video on flossing from the American Dental Association.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months, sooner if the bristles are frayed. A toothbrush in good condition will effectively clean your teeth and gumline.
• Try an oral rinse with fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel to protect it from cavities. Click here to learn more about the dental benefits from fluoride.

Restore your preventive dental visits:

• Dental cleanings help maintain healthy teeth and gums by removing tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease.
• Dental exams can catch potential issues early, preventing costly treatments and dental emergencies.
• Preventive visits can address conditions in your mouth that may potentially impact your overall health.

Renew your meals with healthy options:

• Choose nutritious foods with vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, for strong teeth and healthy gums.
• Limit foods with added sugar, such as cookies and other sweet treats.

Refresh with water:

• Water does not have sugar. Juice, soda, and sports drinks have added sugar, which promotes tooth decay.
• Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
• Drinking water helps reduce dry mouth and neutralizes acids to help prevent enamel erosion.

Resist tobacco and substance use:

• Smoking, drinking, and drugs can harm your oral health and well-being.
• Call 1-866-NEW-LUNG (1-866-639-5864) or click here for free quit smoking and vaping resources.
• Contact OC Links at (855) 625-4657 any time to speak with an understanding and supportive navigator who will guide you to the resources that will help you the most.

Celebrate National Dental Care Month by refreshing your dental care habits or maintaining the ones you already have. Your healthy habits may also inspire a friend or family member to improve their own.