A healthy mouth absolutely provides us nutrition for the physical body, but more importantly, it also improves our social interaction and encourages self-esteem.

Our mouth serves as a “window” to the rest of the body, providing signals of general health diseases. For example, pale or bleeding gums can be a sign of blood disorders or low bone level in the lower jaw might be an early sign of osteoporosis. Poor oral health is significantly associated with major chronic diseases.

Dr. Ben Johnson at Johnson Family Dental in Paducah offers the following 8 tips to prevent tooth decay and gum disease:

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Don’t underestimate its importance. This is a simple step that should never be overlooked. Brushing your teeth in the morning and more importantly again at night is important to remove plaque build-up and bacteria that lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. The Modifies Bass technique where you should hold the brush head at 45 degrees angle, partly on the gums, and gently move the brush in tiny circular motions or small horizontal strokes 20 times on each tooth improves your oral hygiene significantly. Note: Do not brush too vigorously as it can damage your gums and teeth.

2. Floss daily. Your brushing is not complete without flossing. Floss can reach the crevices too small for your brush bristles, so it’s a necessary step for a clean mouth.

3. Oral Irrigators. These are newer cleaning aids which pump water in a steady or pulsating manner and flushing out food and bacterial byproducts.

4. Skip the sugar. Sugary and starchy foods cause are action in your mouth that leads to tooth decay. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in your saliva to form an acid that erodes your tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth.

5. Swish with mouthwash. For an added boost to your oral hygiene routine, rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash which is recommended by your dentist.

6. Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel to combat tooth decay.

7. Brush your tongue. Don’t neglect your tongue! Your tongue harbors bacteria too, so use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to give it a cleaning.

8. Pay attention to your mouth and gums. Note when your gums look inflamed or if you spot blood while brushing. Don’t ignore aches and pains. Consult your dentist to make sure it’s not a symptom of something serious.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. Good oral health changes far more than your outward appearance. It renews your confidence. It changes the way you view yourself. What’s more? it changes the way others see you. 

Time to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning?  Dr. Ben Johnson, your Paducah dentist, would be honored to have you as a patient.  Contact our office by phone at (270) 554-2432 or stop by our office located at 2913 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY  42003 to schedule an appointment today.