It’s no secret that proper oral hygiene leads to better outcomes for your teeth and gums - but did you know that the health of your mouth also plays a significant role in the health of your whole body?

Several studies point to gum health as a predictor of heart health. In fact, gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular problems like heart disease and stroke.

This is why it’s so important to pay close attention to your dental hygiene habits. Doing so will not only keep your immune system as healthy as possible, but it will also help prevent the need to visit us for an emergency – something especially important as we continue to try to maintain distance from others whenever possible.

The good news there are many easy ways to improve your dental routine and keep your mouth healthy.  There are three main tools we recommend that you use at least twice a day for cleaning your teeth. They are the Water Pik, floss and toothbrush.  Use an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste when brushing, unless you are allergic to fluoride.

Use the Water Pik first, use floss and then brush for 2 minutes, focusing along the gum line as you brush since this is where the germs that cause gum infection hide.  Finally Water Pik again to rinse all the loose debris and germs away.  Don’t forget to also clean the top of your tongue, as germs also like to hide there!

Another step to supplement your routine is to begin using mouth rinse, which can reduce plaque buildup by 20 percent.

Finally, to benefit both your oral hygiene as well as your overall health, stick to a healthy diet. Your everyday diet should avoid starchy and sugary foods whenever possible, as these increase plaque.

By taking actionable steps to improve your oral hygiene, you can help prevent the progression of cavities and gum disease that can lead to dental emergencies.