Beyond the Basics: Helpful Oral Health Tips
When it comes to oral health, most of us already know the basics: brush twice daily, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly. But did you know some additional habits and strategies can make a big difference in keeping your smile healthy and bright?
If you want to go beyond the basics, here are ten unique tips to elevate your oral health routine and help you prevent common dental issues.
Wear a Mouth Guard During Sports or Physical Activity
Whether you play contact sports like football or engage in high-intensity activities like mountain biking or skateboarding, a mouth guard is a wise investment. It protects your teeth from impact injuries that can lead to chips, fractures, or even tooth loss.
Custom-fitted mouth guards from your dentist offer the best comfort and protection.
Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to tear open packaging, hold small objects, or crack open bottle caps might be tempting—but don't do it. Teeth are meant for eating and speaking, not for opening stubborn plastic or cutting thread.
Using your teeth as tools puts unnecessary stress on them and can lead to cracks, chips, or enamel damage.
Stay Hydrated with Water
Staying hydrated is suitable for your entire body, including your mouth. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria and keeps your saliva flowing.
Saliva is crucial in neutralizing acids and maintaining a healthy oral environment. Try to sip water throughout the day—especially after meals or sugary drinks.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
It's easy to forget, but toothbrushes don't last forever. Over time, the bristles become frayed and less effective at removing plaque.
Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to four months.
If you've been sick or notice the bristles are worn down, replace them sooner.
Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, soda, wine, vinegar-based dressings, and, yes, even your morning coffee, can weaken tooth enamel over time, making teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and decay.
You don't need to eliminate these from your diet, but to prevent further enamel erosion, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward and avoid brushing immediately (wait about 30 minutes).
Use a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth
Teeth grinding—also known as bruxism—is a common issue, especially during sleep. It can wear down enamel, cause jaw pain, and even lead to cracked teeth.
If you wake up with headaches or sore jaw muscles, talk to your dentist about a custom night guard. It can protect your teeth and improve your sleep quality.
Include Tooth-Friendly Foods in Your Diet
A balanced diet benefits oral health just as much as overall health. Focus on foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery help clean teeth naturally and stimulate gums.
Don't Skip Dental Cleanings—Even If Nothing Hurts
One of the biggest myths in oral health is that you only need to see the dentist if something feels wrong.
In reality, many dental problems—like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer—can develop silently. Regular cleanings and checkups help catch problems early and keep teeth in shape.
Clean Your Tongue Daily
Your tongue harbors a plethora of bacteria, and if you don't clean it regularly, you're leaving a significant part of your oral hygiene routine unfinished.
Use a tongue scraper or gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush to remove buildup; this helps fight bad breath and improves your overall oral health.
Call STL Urgent Dental Today
Taking care of your oral health is more than brushing and flossing.
These tips offer extra protection and care to help you maintain a healthy mouth for years.
Incorporating a few of these habits into your daily routine can prevent damage, avoid costly dental procedures, and enjoy a confident, healthy smile.
Our St. Louis Urgent Dental team is here to help with your urgent, after-hours dental needs!
We are open seven days a week (until 9 p.m. M—F) and treat dental emergencies, including root canals, crowns, socket grafting, extractions, implants, broken teeth, and more.
Please note that we are a "problem-focused" clinic and do not perform regular cleanings.
Our procedure pricing and other details are on our website. Schedule an appointment, and you'll be smiling again in no time!
