Hints for a Healthy Mouth
A healthy mouth starts with good oral hygiene, and an oral care routine for a healthy mouth begins with the basics:- Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for a healthy mouth, and replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if it looks worn out.
- Flossing: To maintain a healthy mouth, floss your teeth at least once a day. If you have trouble sliding floss between your teeth, try waxed floss or wide floss. (1), (2)
Healthy Eating for a Healthy Mouth
What you eat affects your dental health and your overall health.- Eat right: Eat a balanced diet to promote a healthy mouth, healthy teeth, and healthy gums.
- Snack light: The American Dental Association recommends keeping between-meal snacks to a minimum to promote a healthy mouth. If you do need a snack, some healthy mouth choices include raw veggies, plain yogurt, cheese, or a piece of fruit, such as an apple or pear. (2), (3)
A Healthy Mouth Is Tobacco-Free
You can go a long way toward having a healthy mouth if you avoid tobacco products. That includes not only cigarettes, but cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco (chew/dip). If you use tobacco products, it’s not too late to have a healthy mouth if you quit, or at least cut back. Studies have shown that smoking may contribute to gum disease by getting in the way when normal gum tissue cells try to do their job of maintaining a healthy mouth. (4)Sources:
