Eight Ways to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

As good oral health is a key factor in keeping the rest of your body healthy, it's important to keep your mouth healthy. Each week during September's “Healthy Aging Month,” Ellis Dental is sharing new perspectives and ways to allow you to show off your smile for many years to come.

Eight Ways to Keep Your Mouth Healthy:

• Go for the water — soda, cola, pop ... whatever you may call it, that fizzy flavored drink is not good for your teeth. Some of the key ingredients in soda eat away at the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to cavities.
• Cut out sugar — the latest news is the sugar industry buying off researchers to “sugar coat” the dangers of sugar, something dentists have known for years. Sugar can cause plaque to form by increasing bacteria and acidity in your mouth.
• Cut out the tobacco — you already know smoking is bad for your health in many ways. It's also bad for your teeth, so is chewing tobacco. They can both lead to oral cancer (and many other problems). So go ahead and toss that pack out already.
• Brushing — brushing your teeth, gums and tongue properly twice daily for two minutes at a time is a key step to a healthy mouth
• Fluoride — using a small, pea-sized dab of fluoride when brushing can help strengthen your tooth enamel.
• Flossing — despite recent reports that you don't need to floss as often, flossing is crucial for keeping your gums and mouth healthy and preventing other diseases.
• Check ups — visiting your dentist should be at the top of your list. Regular check ups (twice a year) can help you catch early signs of problems and cost you less money in the long run.
• Take a test — this test should not take the place of visiting your dentist, but it's a good start on checking to see if your mouth is healthy or not.

If you missed it, here are 10 signs your mouth may not be healthy.

Any changes in your mouth should be monitored, and if anything lasts for more than one week, it's advised to contact a dentist for the next available appointment. Brushing for two minutes, twice daily and flossing regularly is an important way to help keep your mouth healthy. Regular visits to the dentist is the best way to ensure a healthy mouth and smile.