Improve your oral health in two simple steps

(NC) We all know on some level how important our oral health is to our overall well-being. But the truth is, most of us are also balancing so much that it’s easy to let things slide. Maintaining an oral hygiene routine within a busy lifestyle can be challenging, so start off simple with these two crucial habits:

Stay hydrated.
Your saliva does more to keep you healthy than you might think. It helps wash your teeth and gums through the day and can even neutralize the acids that bacteria produce. It also contains minerals that help keep your teeth healthy, like calcium and fluoride.

But when you’re dehydrated, your saliva production drops, and you lose all those benefits. Dry mouth can even lead to worse things than bad breath: it increases your risk of mouth infections, sores and tooth decay. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day; your mouth and your whole body, will thank you for it.

Stay proactive.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular cleanings and checkups can head off small problems before they become real threats. Plan a dentist visit every six months and make it easier for yourself by booking your next visit on your way out of the dentist’s office.

Prevention makes a difference at the bathroom sink, too. Consider using a toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash combo that’s formulated to fight bacteria, like Colgate Total Active Prevention System. When used together twice daily, the system fights the root cause of common oral health issues such as gingivitis, plaque and tartar. Remember to floss once a day to get a more effective clean and further disrupt harmful germs.

Learn more tips to care for your oral health at colgate.ca.