Important Tips & Instructions To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Healthy teeth and gums contribute significantly to overall wellness. Achieving a healthy mouth requires maintaining proper oral hygiene every day. Therefore, knowing the right steps for optimum oral health is crucial. Continue reading for some oral hygiene tips from our general dentist in Houston.

What is Oral Hygiene?

It is a preventive dentistry practice of maintaining a clean and disease-free mouth. Oral hygiene involves brushing and flossing daily and visiting a family dentist near you regularly. It also involves getting ideal oral care products and being mindful of daily habits. Maintaining proper oral hygiene can make a difference in your smile and health.

What is the Importance of Good Oral Hygiene?

Maintaining proper oral hygiene helps stop oral health issues before they start developing. For instance, brushing, flossing, and attending dental checkups can prevent gum disease and caries. Oral hygiene helps keep your mouth, mind, and body healthy. In addition, it gives you an excellent chance for long-lasting oral health and a beautiful smile.

What are the Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene?

Below are some oral hygiene instructions to keep your smile healthy and attractive:

1) Brush Properly

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-rich toothpaste to clean your mouth at least twice daily. While brushing, do so in circular motions positioning the rush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Do not brush hard since you may damage the enamel and cause gum recession. Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue for at least two minutes each time.

2) Floss Properly

Flossing helps remove food debris and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. So, you should floss adequately to prevent decay between teeth and gum inflammation. Wrap an 18-inch long flossing thread around one finger on both hands. Floss your teeth, making a ‘’C’’ shape with the rope. After, floss the area where your gums meet your teeth. If you have difficulty using regular floss, consider using a water flosser.

3) Use Fluoride

Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Therefore it is crucial to incorporate fluoride into your oral hygiene routine. Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash each day. Get fluoride treatments from a general dentist regularly. They will help to prevent the action of plaque on teeth.

4) Use Mouthwash

Using an antibacterial mouthwash is a necessary part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Mouthwash eliminates acids and food debris in your mouth, reducing plaque buildup. Also, it keeps your breath fresh throughout the day. However, ensure you use a brand of mouthwash with no alcohol to prevent dry mouth.

5) See A Dentist At Least Twice Annually

Visiting a family dentist near you every six months for a checkup helps maintain good oral hygiene. Our dentist in 77024 will clean your mouth thoroughly during each appointment. In addition, they will instruct you on proper brushing and flossing techniques for cleaner teeth and gums.

The expert will also provide treatments to help you maintain proper oral hygiene. An example is a dental sealant procedure. During the checkups, they will examine your mouth for signs of poor oral hygiene. Then, they will advise you accordingly.

6) Reduce Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary foods encourage bacteria to thrive in your mouth. These bacteria produce acidic solutions as they break down the sugar which leads to tooth decay. Ensure you brush your teeth after eating sugary foods especially sticky foods such as chocolate.

7) Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

Your toothbrush loses its effectiveness after a few months. The bristles get flayed, worn out or splayed. Therefore, ensure you get a new toothbrush every 3-4 months.

What are the Benefits of Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene?

A dentist can repair damaged teeth and gums, restoring functionality and aesthetics. However, it is prudent to stop oral health issues before they begin by practicing good oral hygiene. Below are some advantages you can expect if you practice good oral hygiene at home and visit the dentist regularly:

• Taking care of your oral hygiene helps you achieve and maintain an attractive smile.
• It ensures you have and retains fully functional teeth.
• Proper oral hygiene reduces the need for restorative dental work.
• It lowers the risk of diseases connected to poor oral health, such as heart disease and diabetes.
• Good oral hygiene prevents or reduces halitosis giving you fresher breath.
• Preventive dental care practices reduce your risk for oral cancer.
• Maintaining proper oral hygiene prevents oral health issues saving you money, time, and anxiety.

Visit a Family Dentist Near You

Maintaining good oral hygiene results in optimal oral health and general wellness. Routinely brushing and flossing and regular dental visits keep your teeth and gums healthy and attractive. Therefore, you should follow the tips above to prevent oral health issues. Contact us at Lynn Alan Palmer DDS for a dental team to help you maintain excellent dental hygiene.