Tips To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene means having a daily dental routine that you stick to. Not only does that ensure that your mouth stays clean and healthy, but it also lowers your risk for several dental problems.

Why is good oral hygiene so important?

Good oral hygiene means more than just brushing and flossing. Good oral hygiene involves taking proper care of your teeth and gums at home and visiting your dentist regularly.

Your dentist can make sure you’re doing all the right things at home to keep your mouth healthy. Regular professional cleanings will remove bacteria and plaque buildup that you cannot reach with brushing and flossing. They can also spot and prevent oral health issues, including gum disease and tooth decay before they become painful.

Benefits of good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene can promote a healthy smile and fresh breath. But practicing good oral hygiene can also help reduce the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and other oral health conditions.

Tips to improve your oral hygiene

• Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing at least twice daily is important to remove plaque, which is a sticky film that forms on teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that feed off the sugars in the foods we eat. After eating, the bacteria turn the sugar into acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Brushing removes this food debris and plaque from the teeth. Also, make sure to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.

• Floss regularly

Flossing is incredibly important to maintain good oral hygiene. Flossing daily can prevent the buildup of plaque, which can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove. Flossing can also help remove food particles from between the teeth. Flossing can also help protect a patient’s gums from gum disease, as it can remove plaque and food particles from beneath the gums.

• Rinse your mouth with mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can help prevent bacteria and plaque from building up. Mouthwash can also kill any remaining bacteria in your mouth after brushing and flossing. 

• Regular dental visits

Having your teeth regularly cleaned and examined by a dentist can help ensure that your teeth are in good health. Children should visit a dentist no later than their first birthday. Older patients should visit their dentist every six months. During these visits, a dentist will examine your teeth and gum health. He or she will also clean your teeth to remove any buildup.

• Eat right

Make healthy choices while having food. It is important to limit the intake of sugary foods and consume a more nutritious, balanced diet. 

• Have dental sealants

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that is applied to teeth to prevent bacteria from settling into the grooves and crevices of the teeth. These dental sealants help to prevent decay from forming.

If you have concerns about dental health or wish to know more about good oral hygiene habits, visit Elan Dental, at 310 suite an S Main St, Rolesville, NC 27571, or call us at (919) 556-6761 and schedule an appointment.