Four Simple Daily Steps Can Lead to Better Overall Health

Are you paying enough attention to your oral health? It might surprise you to learn that caring for your mouth can lead to better health for your entire body. It’s easier than you think, too! The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has come up with a slogan to help you remember four simple steps you can take every day to improve the health of your mouth and by extension, your whole body: “Brush, Rinse, Floss, Chew.”

• Brush: Twice a day, brush your teeth with a medium bristle toothbrush, brushing for two minutes, using small, circular, back and forth motions. Use a toothpaste with fluoride, and look for one with the American Dental Association (ADA) stamp of approval. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
• Rinse: After brushing, rinse your mouth with anti-microbial mouthwash. Look for mouthwash that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance, and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds so that it has a chance to come into contact with all of your teeth. Finish up with a gargle to rinse the back of your tongue, then spit the mouthwash into the sink.
• Floss: At least once a day, floss. After working the floss between the teeth with a gentle zig-zag motion, wrap it gently around the side of each tooth and slide it up and down, against the tooth surface and under the gum line. This will remove leftover food particles and plaque, and help prevent gingivitis (gum disease), which has been linked to health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Be thorough but gentle, and if you have trouble handling traditional floss, talk to your dentist about the other options for flossing your teeth.
• Chew: Did you know that chewing sugar-free gum is actually good for the health of your mouth? It stimulates the production of saliva, which is the body’s natural defense against tooth decay. Research indicates that the biggest benefit to your oral health comes from chewing sugar-free gum after eating or drinking.

Of course, one of the best things you can do for your oral health is to schedule regular checkups with your dentist. If you’re looking for dentist in Hazlet, New Jersey, you can trust Glenwood Premier Dental to meet your needs. At Glenwood Premier Dental, we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals is committed to offering a wide range of dental services, exceeding our patients’ expectations, and providing the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, implant dentistry, Invisalign, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477 for more information.