Posted by Northeast Dental Associates on Dec 27 2022, 09:55 PM
Good oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and healthy to prevent dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent other health problems as well. Here are the three most important oral hygiene practices to be followed for better oral health.
Brushing and Flossing
At-home oral hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Remember to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. Use a gentle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Many people skip flossing their teeth because they think it isn’t important or because they don’t like how it feels. The truth is though that flossing is just as important as brushing for keeping your mouth healthy and free of cavities and gum disease. In fact, if you only brush and don’t floss, you’re missing about 40 percent of your tooth’s surfaces. That’s a lot of surface area that your toothbrush can’t reach on its own!
Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that contains millions of oral bacteria that will accumulate along your gum line if not removed daily. When left untreated, this will lead to cavities and gum disease. Daily flossing also eliminates bad breath and keeps your breath fresh throughout the day.
Regular Dental Checkups
Visiting your dentist for regular checkups is the best way to maintain good oral health. These visits allow the dentist to regularly monitor your oral health and detect any problems early when they’re easier to treat. You’ll also leave with a healthier mouth and the knowledge needed to maintain it!
By scheduling routine cleanings and exams, you’re also helping to ensure that plaque and tartar are removed before they become serious issues. Your dentist can also spot signs of oral cancer or other issues early on when they’re easier to treat. Plus, if you keep up with your care, you’ll also help keep your smile looking great for much longer than if you don’t see a dentist at all.
Eat Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet of healthy foods can help you maintain good oral health. Avoid eating sugary foods, which feed the bad bacteria in your mouth and promote tooth decay and cavities. Instead, eat a diet high in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, protein, healthy fats, and water. These foods can help promote healthy teeth and gums by fighting off bacteria and stimulating saliva production. The more water you drink during the day, the more saliva your mouth produces. Saliva is important for washing away food particles and leftover acids from foods and beverages. It also neutralizes the acid that causes tooth enamel erosion. Drinking water also helps rinse any debris or plaque from the mouth.
To learn more, visit Northeast Dental Associates at 19411 McKay Dr #150, Humble, TX 77338, or call (346) 477-2055 to schedule an appointment.
