How to Get and Maintain a Healthy Mouth

A healthy smile proves is evidence of a healthy mouth. Healthy mouth also means a complete healthy system.

Do’s and Don’ts For a Healthy Mouth

To have a healthy mouthy here are some do’s and don’ts that is extremely beneficial in the long run:

• Give up on Soda: soda based soft drinks contribute in no way other than fill you up with unwanted sugar and calories. They are extremely acidic as well. Over time your teeth will be affected with the onset of cavities and dental erosion due to excessive consumption. Make water your best friend. Instead of depending on drinks that can harm you, start drinking 7-8 glasses of water every day, if possible more. Water helps to flush out the toxins and keep you hydrated and keeps your metabolism going.
• Diet: be conscious of your diet. Avoid too much of fried and sugary food. While it enhances your fat storage capability, it also increases the risk of diseases. To name a few, diabetes and liver problems. It also increases the possibility of dental problems. Avoid bad and unhealthy fats. They are high in polyunsaturated fats.
• Oral Hygiene: commit to brushing and flossing your teeth after every major meal. Make it a habit. Spend substantial time brushing and flossing your teeth and make it a part of your daily routine.
• Give Up Harmful Habits: give up on habits like smoking and chewing tobacco in any form. While smoking can be the cause of lung cancer and other harmful diseases, chewing tobacco could cause oral cancer, both of which could be fatal and life threatening.
• Incorporate Exercise: promise to lead a healthy life. Incorporate a minimum of a half hour exercise in your daily routine. Exercise in any form that you may enjoy. It helps to keep you energized as well as keep you looking fit, healthy and in shape.
• Say No to Alcohol: an occasional drink is welcome, but not binging on alcohol. It can affect your nervous system, kidneys and can lead to problems like obesity and psychological problems, in addition to other health problems.

It is easy to have a healthy mouth if you follow the simple rules. They are easy to adopt and is all about making some changes to your daily life.

Dental Care Tips for the Elderly

As you age, your needs and way of living may change–and the way you care for your gums and teeth is no exemption. Although, at some point, dental care would be difficult, this should not stop you from looking after your oral health. If you need advice or assistance on caring for your teeth, your dentist may be able to help and offer valuable information.
In the meantime, here are a few tips regarding dental care for seniors.

Brushing and Flossing

No matter the age, brushing and flossing (alongside regular dental checkups) are the most vital things to do to maintain a healthy mouth.
Remember to brush at least twice daily. Thorough brushing will prevent plaque buildup, keeping tooth decay and gum disease at bay. If you have a health condition like arthritis that makes it hard for you to hold a regular toothbrush, consider using an electric toothbrush.
Conversely, make sure to floss at least once a day. Flossing removes food particles and tartar trapped between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t remove or reach. Some may find flossing awkward because the string has the tendency to get tangled. If you are one of those people, you can give plastic floss holders a go. Talk to your dentist or hygienist about it so they can recommend one. You can also use dental tape if grasping the floss is difficult for you.

Dental Care For Dentures

Having false teeth does not mean your exempt from not looking after your dental hygiene. Artificial or not, your teeth are bound to deteriorate, especially if you neglect taking care of them. Tartar and plaque can build up on artificial teeth, as well, so it is important that you clean them every day. If you want your smile to last, you need to look after your dentures, too, as much as you would care for your natural teeth.
Every night before sleeping, take your dentures out, and then massage and clean your gums, and brush the remaining natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid hurting your gums. If it still does, try running the toothbrush in warm water. It will make the bristles softer. You can also use your cloth-wrapped finger to clean and massage your gums if your toothbrush really hurts you.
For the dentures, make sure to give them a good scrub, too. And then, soak them overnight to loosen any build up of tartar or plaque. In the morning, rinse and brush your dentures again before putting them back on.
You can buy over-the-counter denture cleaners to use for soaking, or you can mix some up with equal parts of vinegar and warm water. However, you can’t use vinegar if your dentures have metal clasps.
Dental care for seniors is especially essential because teeth and bones get extra sensitive and vulnerable as we age. So be sure to visit your dentist periodically for dental exams and professional cleaning. During a scheduled checkup, your dentist will be able to detect signs of potential gum disease, and offer treatment options appropriate for you.

Fun Dental Activities for Entire Family

Dental activities need not always be a scary proposition. They can be fun, and can be looked forward to. As parents you can educate your child by being a part of the activities. The idea being to learn while in play!

6 Ideas for Dental Activities

• It is a common knowledge that brushing and flossing helps maintain your oral health. It can be a boring task to do so every day. A little fun element by choosing a matching set of brushes or an incentive program for one who completes the cycle of brushing the teeth will be rewarded can be a fun thing with the kids. They look forward to it more than ever before.
• Often most children don’t get into the concept of flossing. A little handmade craft could give them more insight into flossing and make them want to do it. You can make a set of teeth on cardboard. Thread the floss through a needle and show your child how to do it. It can be a fun experiment for them to understand the process and know how it benefits them.
• Something I did works wonders with my children. I always sing them a song in the morning while brushing their teeth. They love it and look forward to the little fun time we have each morning. It wakes them up as also makes them enjoy a daily chore which could tend to get monotonous.
• A quiz with a reward on what to eat and what not to for a good dental health will make each one of you aware of the Do’s and Don’ts for oral health. Let your children quiz you and make them feel that they know it all. It makes them confident and happy.
• Give importance to the teeth. Together you can do a dental activity of making a giant tooth and decorating it. Use all kinds of fun things and colors to make it a fun project. Attach a detachable smile that can turn into a gloomy face when inverted if you do things to make your teeth unhappy.
• Last but not the least, the concept of a tooth fairy is always a winner. If your child loses his or her teeth, you can tell them about a tooth fairy and give your child a gift.
  Little things as these can make you and your child turn a boring chore into something so very enjoyable.

Maintain a Healthy Mouth Even While You Travel

Your bags are packed. You’ve booked your room. You’ve planned your itinerary. But have you thought about your oral health plan? As much as we all deserve a needed break from our routine once in a while, traveling is not and should never be an excuse to let go of taking care of our teeth.
To avoid oral health problems, here are a few tooth saver habits that you will want to consider when travelling:

Oral Hygiene Habits to Consider when Travelling

1. Make a list of credible and safe clinics in the place you plan to visit. You will never know when you’ll have dental emergencies. And if you ever run into one, you will want to go to a reputable dental clinic for a fix.
2. Stock up on your oral hygiene supplies. You most likely will find the basics (such as toothbrush and toothpaste) in the place you will be staying at but bring a few extras for emergencies, as well as other supplies that you routinely use at home (dental floss, mouth rinse, etc.)
3. Keep a travel toothbrush handy. Having one in your bag or purse is convenient since you can give your teeth a quick brush when you make those inevitable pit stops. Plus if you’re traveling by plane, going through your luggage for your oral hygiene essentials will not even be an option when you do not have a carry-on.
4. Eat Smart. Stray away from teeth-unfriendly snacks. It’s a struggle to keep away from junk food most especially if you’re traveling, but keep in mind that it’s bad for both your health and your teeth. Instead of sugary snacks or salty chips, opt for healthy ones like fruits or vegetables.
5. Use a mouth wash when you don’t have time to dally at the airport or when the line in the gasoline station restroom’s too long. It is not the same as brushing but it is more than enough for those times that your breath needs some quick freshening.
6. Prior to leaving, visit your dentist for a check-up. Let him/her know you’re going out of town. He/she will know what oral hygiene advice to give and supplies to recommend bringing with you. And if you’re planning to stay for a longer period of time, it’s better to have a full dental check-up with your Scottsdale dentist to avoid dental emergencies. You wouldn’t want to have a loose filling while you’re out at sea, would you?
7. Whether it is a long-haul flight or a 10-hour drive, being on the road and getting to your destination does not mean you have the excuse to slack off on your oral health routine. No matter if you are getting out of town for the weekend or vacationing for a week, it’s always good to remember that every effort you make to keep your mouth healthy and clean helps.