3 Ways To Promote Oral Health

If you are already brushing and flossing regularly, you may feel as though there is nothing else needed to help protect your teeth and gums. However, there are multiple dental products that are designed to improve your oral health. Here are a few additional measures that you can take to promote good dental health.

Use an oral irrigator.

An oral irrigator is a specialized dental tool that directs a stream of water at specific areas of the mouth, such as along the gum line and between the teeth. The force of the water dislodges debris, such as leftover particles of food, and helps dilute oral acids that may be present in the mouth.

Bacteria produce acid as they digest food in your oral cavity. As the bacteria release the acid, it demineralizes the tooth enamel to promote dental decay. Plaque, which includes oral bacteria and leftover food particles, often accumulates between the teeth and along the gum line. Thus, bacterial acids can be produced close to the tooth enamel, where they can be most damaging.

Oral irrigators also massage the gum tissue to promote good circulation and help reduce inflammation that could lead to gum disease.

Chew sugarless gum.

To boost your oral health, consider chewing sugarless gum frequently throughout your day. This can be especially helpful after eating. Chewing the gum increases the production of saliva and helps clean your teeth between brushing sessions.

Also, depending on the gum's ingredients, it can offer even more oral-health benefits. For instance, gum that includes ingredients such as cinnamon can help reduce the number of oral bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. Likewise, gum that contains the natural sweetener xylitol can also help kill oral microbes. 

If you are concerned about the whiteness of your teeth, choose gum that contains malic acid, titanium dioxide, or baking soda. These ingredients can help eliminate dental stains. Titanium dioxide and baking soda, which may also be listed as sodium bicarbonate, have a mildly abrasive consistency that help polish away stains. Malic acid, which is found in natural substances such as as vinegar and strawberries, can help whiten the teeth by dissolving stains.

Use an anti-bacterial mouth rinse.

Some mouthwashes only contain minty flavorings that mask the odors of bad breath. However, anti-bacterial mouth rinses can help kill oral microbes. Try to find a mouth rinse that is alcohol free. Although alcohol does kill bacteria, it also causes dry mouth. There are other effective antimicrobial ingredients such as chlorhexidine available that do not dry the tissues of the mouth.

To learn more things that you can do to promote good oral health, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area.