Blog Layout

Simple Ways to Improve Your Oral Health

July 12, 2024

Looking at our health from a bird' s-eye view can be daunting. Everything we do or don't do can affect our health; often, our health feels like it is out of our control. Luckily, our oral health becomes less daunting when we consider simple habits that lead to significant improvements over time. Let's check out some simple, straightforward ways to improve oral health.


Brush Twice Daily

Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene. It's essential to brush twice daily, in the morning and before bed, using fluoride toothpaste. Brushing helps remove food particles and plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. For best results, brush for at least two minutes each time, making sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces.


Floss Daily

Flossing is often overlooked, but it's a critical oral health component. Flossing removes plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline, areas a toothbrush can't reach. Daily flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around your middle fingers and leaving about an inch to work with. Gently slide it between your teeth, curving it around each tooth and moving it up and down.


Rinse with Mouthwash

Mouthwash isn't just for fresh breath. An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque, prevent gum disease, and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains dental association-approved fluoride. Rinse with mouthwash once a day, ideally after brushing and flossing.


Drink Water Regularly

Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health and is crucial in maintaining oral health. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. It also helps support saliva flow, which is vital for neutralizing acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Make a habit of drinking water throughout the day, especially after meals.

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary foods and drinks are a leading cause of tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that erode tooth enamel. By limiting your intake of sugary snacks and beverages, you can significantly reduce your risk of cavities. When you indulge in sweets, try to consume them with a meal and drink water afterward to help wash away the sugar.


Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help protect your teeth. It increases saliva flow, which helps neutralize and wash away acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Saliva also contains calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel. Choose gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that can reduce the growth of bacteria.


Replace Toothbrush Regularly

Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against plaque and bacteria. Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush become worn and less effective at cleaning your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are beginning to fray. Using a worn toothbrush can do more harm than good, as it may not effectively remove plaque and can even damage your gums.


Eat a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet is essential for good oral health. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products, can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong teeth and bones. Avoid snacking between meals, as frequent eating can increase your risk of cavities. Choose healthy options like cheese, yogurt, or raw vegetables if you snack.


Avoid Tobacco Products

Using tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, can have severe consequences for your oral health. Tobacco use increases your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco can be challenging, but it's one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health. Seek support from your dentist or a healthcare provider to develop a plan to quit.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can detect and treat problems early before they become serious. During a dental visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, clean your teeth, and check for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Most people should see their dentist every six months, but your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your needs.


Give STL Urgent Dental a Call

Incorporating these ten simple habits into your daily routine can significantly improve oral health and prevent dental problems. At our emergency dental clinic, we know that education and prevention are crucial to maintaining a healthy smile. Start today by adopting these habits and encouraging your family and friends to do the same. 


Our St. Louis Urgent Dental team is here to help with your urgent, after-hours dental needs! We are open seven days a week (until 9 pm on M-F). We have three clinics throughout the region to best serve Greater St. Louis. 


We are ready to help with dental emergencies, including root canals, crowns, socket grafting, extractions, implants, broken teeth, and more. Check out our procedure pricing and other details here on our website. 


Schedule an appointment, and you'll be smiling again in no time!

What To Do If Your Child's Tooth Is Knocked Out

February 12, 2025
Whether it's a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, properly handling the situation can help minimize pain, reduce complications, and even save the tooth.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

January 27, 2025
Restorative dentistry is vital in promoting oral health by addressing dental issues impairing functionality and aesthetics.

New Year, New Teeth: Oral Health Resolutions for 2025

December 30, 2024
Incorporating these resolutions into your daily routine can improve oral health and set a positive example for your family.

What Can I Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit?

November 12, 2024
While an urgent dental visit can look similar to a regular dental visit or cleaning, some differences exist.

Food and Drinks That Can Benefit Your Oral Health

October 11, 2024
While a healthy diet can have room for treats occasionally, it's essential to focus on food and beverages that may benefit our health.

What To Do During A Dental Emergency

September 12, 2024
Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can significantly affect the outcome, whether it's a knocked-out tooth, a severe toothache, or broken dental work.

Tips for a Worry-Free Dental Visit

August 12, 2024
Whether it's a visit to your general dentist or you need to visit us for emergency care, these suggestions can help calm your nerves before, during, and after your visit.

What You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions

June 12, 2024
When it comes to dental care, your primary goal is always to preserve your natural teeth. However, there are instances where extraction becomes the best course of action to prevent further complications and alleviate pain. We recommend emergency tooth extractions when a tooth is severely damaged or infected and cannot be saved through other treatments such as root canals or crowns. Let's explore the common reasons for emergency extractions and what to expect during and after the process. Common Reasons for Emergency Extractions Severe Tooth Decay One of the most common reasons for emergency tooth extractions is severe tooth decay. When decay progresses extensively, it can compromise the tooth's structural integrity. Suppose the decay reaches the pulp or nerve of the tooth. In that case, it can cause excruciating pain and significantly increase the risk of infection. In such cases, an emergency extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and restore your oral health. Removing the decayed tooth can eliminate the source of pain and prevent further damage to surrounding teeth and tissues. Dental Trauma Accidents or injuries can result in severe dental trauma, such as a fractured or dislodged tooth. Extraction may be the best option when a tooth is beyond repair or poses a risk to your oral health. A strong dental care team should have extensive experience handling dental emergencies and providing immediate care for dental trauma. They will be equipped to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether an extraction is necessary to protect your oral health and alleviate pain.  Problem-Focused Examination Before proceeding with an extraction, our dentists will perform a problem-focused examination of your dental condition, usually including X-rays, to assess the extent of the problem and determine the necessity of extraction. This thorough evaluation helps your dental team make informed decisions about your treatment and ensures the best possible outcome for your oral health.

9 Habits and Conditions That May Be Affecting Your Oral Health

May 10, 2024
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Yet, many people overlook the significant role that lifestyle choices play in the health of their teeth and gums. From smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to sugary drinks and poor dietary habits, various factors can have a profound impact on oral health. Let's explore how these lifestyle choices affect your oral health and what you can do to maintain a healthy smile. Smoking and Oral Health Smoking is not only detrimental to your lungs but also wreaks havoc on your oral health. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can irritate gum tissue, leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of gum disease. Moreover, smoking restricts blood flow to the gums, impairing their ability to fight off infection and heal properly. Over time, smokers are more likely to experience tooth loss and other serious oral health issues. Quitting smoking is essential for preserving the health of your teeth and gums, and seeking support from healthcare professionals can significantly improve your chances of success. Alcohol Consumption and Oral Health Excessive alcohol consumption is another lifestyle factor that can harm your oral health. Alcohol dries out the mouth, reducing saliva production and creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth; this increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. While moderate alcohol consumption may not pose significant risks, it's essential to be mindful of your intake and practice moderation. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth hydrated and flush out harmful bacteria, promoting better oral health. Soda and Carbonated Drinks Sugary drinks like soda and carbonated beverages are a significant culprit behind tooth decay and erosion. These drinks contain excessive sugar, which bacteria in the mouth feed on, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. Additionally, the carbonation in these beverages increases their acidity, further eroding enamel and weakening teeth. Limiting your consumption of sugary drinks and opting for water or unsweetened beverages can significantly reduce your risk of dental problems.

Root Canals: A Brief Overview

April 12, 2024
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the pulp). The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. During a root canal, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then it is filled and sealed to prevent further infection. Let's look at common questions about root canals so you can keep yourself and your family informed and safe. What Causes a Root Canal? Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed; this can happen for a couple of different reasons: Deep Decay: Bacteria can enter the pulp through cavities that have penetrated deep into the tooth. Trauma: A cracked or broken tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria. Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth can cause irritation and inflammation of the pulp. Tooth Fracture: A fracture that extends into the pulp can lead to infection. Advantages of Having a Root Canal Saves Natural Tooth: Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is often the best option for oral health and function. Relieves Pain: Root canal therapy alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with a tooth infection or inflammation. Prevents Further Infection: By removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, root canal treatment prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues. Restores Function : After a root canal, the tooth can continue functioning normally for biting and chewing.
More Posts
Share by: