What stands between you and a healthy smile? Some people struggle with poor oral health because they do not do enough to consistently clean their teeth. For others, an issue with their diet choices can expose them to more risk for dental decay. It is also possible for dry mouth to affect your ability to prevent problems with your oral health. Dry mouth is often caused by dehydration, but it can also occur due to stress, after drinking coffee or tea, or because of a medication you are taking. When it occurs, your natural defense against dental problems can be reduced. At our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office, Dr. Johnson can work with patients who have greater risks for dental problems and offer support to help their teeth stay healthy. When you recognize and address obstacles to good oral health, you can be better defended against cavities!
Saliva Can Help You Clean Your Teeth Throughout The Day
Saliva can do more than just help us safely break down and enjoy food. This substance can help your smile by washing away food debris that might be left behind when you eat, and it can protect you against oral bacteria. Someone who struggles with dry mouth can lose out on this protection. As a result, they can have a harder time stopping bacteria from weakening their enamel and causing cavities to form.
Are You Drinking Enough Water?
One way to control your risk for dry mouth is to ensure that you consistently stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day and during meals can make this easier to accomplish. Water also helps you cut back on sugar, as you can drink it as a substitute for soft drinks. When you are better hydrated, your body can produce more saliva without difficulty. If other issues have led to dry mouth, you can stimulate saliva production by chewing a sugar-free gum.
More Tips To Help You Keep Your Smile Healthy
A thorough and consistent approach to good oral health can be easier to maintain than you might realize. Be sure to spend time at the start and end of your day cleaning your teeth. When you brush, give yourself at least two minutes to thoroughly remove any bacteria and food particles that are present. Focus on time and thoroughness over aggressive motions, as too much force can wear down your enamel. Throughout the day, combine better hydration with diet choices that limit your sugar intake.
Our St. Louis, MO Dentist’s Office Provides Cavity Treatment And Oral Health Support
At our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office, Dr. Johnson has helped many people in and around our community take great care of their teeth. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling dental exams, make sure you take care to maintain good habits in order to lower your risks for dental decay. To find out more about our practice, and how we can help you, call Magnolia Family Dental at 314-822-4521.
