Did you know that problems with your mouth can influence the rest of your body or that your oral health can provide information about your general health? Learn more about how your oral and general health are related to protecting yourself.

Here are nine tips from your San Tan Valley family dentist for optimum dental health.

Bad Drinks and Foods That Can Harm Teeth

Taffy, caramel, and gummy candy stick to your teeth. They support harmful oral microorganisms. While asleep, you don't create enough saliva to wash away food particles, which allows germs in your mouth to multiply more quickly.

Sticky foods should be avoided to decrease oral bacteria and prevent tooth decay. If you indulge in a sweet or sticky treat, remember to clean your teeth and floss as soon as possible. Your teeth could be harmed if you bite down too hard on hard sweets or popcorn kernels.

Defending Mouths Against Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Below the gum line, plaque builds up and becomes tartar. Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a terrible gum condition resulting in tooth loss if not treated.

Early signs of gum disease include bleeding gums after tooth brushing or flossing. So be careful to brush and floss frequently.

How To Stop Plaque Build Up

When plaque acids eat away at the tooth's enamel, cavities result (outside surface). Your family dentist in San Tan Valley suggests flossing before night and brushing three times daily, after each meal.

Stopping plaque-forming bacteria is essential because they are constantly dividing and growing. Fluoride, a mineral in most toothpaste, works with enamel to harden surfaces and protect teeth from bacteria. Use a manual or electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth.

Bad Breath

As a result of not swallowing much during the night, it's common to wake up with a dry mouth and "morning breath." Foods like onions or garlic enter the bloodstream and are ejected with each breath, causing chronic bad breath or halitosis. Oral hygiene is another critical consideration. You should brush your teeth every meal, every night, and in the morning.

Bad breath can take many faces, some of which can indicate a health issue. So, if you consistently have bad breath, call your dentist right away.

Tooth Discoloration

As people age, their teeth may become dull and discolored. Stains can be avoided by avoiding substances like coffee, tea, soda, red wine, and tobacco. In addition, it helps to brighten and remove surface stains by using whitening toothpaste.

If tooth brushing alone is ineffective, Martin Dental in San Tan Valley suggests professional teeth whitening. Although over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions are more practical, they may harm enamel and result in more serious dental problems.

Get Help With Dental Care From Regular San Tan Valley Dentist Appointments

Regular dental appointments are just as necessary as good oral hygiene. Your dentist can identify and treat dental issues early if you visit twice a year.

If it has been a year since your last visit, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Then, you could avoid needing to spend thousands of dollars on dental work in the future.

 If you want to find out more, Contact Martin Dental for expert dental care. Alternatively, you can fill in the quick form for a fast response from the team. Please read what others have to say about our services.