Proper oral hygiene is important in preventing harmful dental problems like periodontal disease and cavities. Periodontal disease can cause harmful and painful results such as:
- Bleeding gums
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Receding gum line
- Consistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or separating permanent teeth
Neglecting your dental health can permanently change your gums and teeth. These changes can become very painful and difficult to fix. Daily oral hygiene care will keep your smile healthy, beautiful, and pain free. Your dental visits will also be quicker and more fun if you maintain your smile’s health.
How often should I brush my teeth?
Brushing your teeth is important for removing plaque buildup and any food stuck on or between the teeth. Brushing also helps the health of your gums as well as your teeth. You need to brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day. It is important to brush after breakfast and before you go to bed. Our cosmetic dentists recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal and every snack to maintain your oral heath.
Along with brushing your teeth, you should also floss your teeth. Food can get stuck between your teeth and in other places that your toothbrush may not reach. Flossing will get into these hard to reach places and remove the plaque and food buildup. Frequent brushing and flossing will keep your teeth healthy and cavity free. Flossing will also help prevent gum disease. This daily maintenance will make your dental checkups fast and easy.
What can I do keep my teeth healthy?
Brushing and flossing are two of the more important things you can do to keep your teeth healthy. We also recommend the following:
- Have a balanced diet
- Have sensible eating habits
- Avoid excessive sugar consumption
- Use fluoride daily
- Dental checkups every 6 months
A healthy diet not only makes your body healthy, it also improves your immune system and prevents periodontal disease. A healthy body means a healthy smile.
How do I choose a good toothbrush and toothpaste?
A good toothbrush for you is a soft bristle brush that fits comfortably in your mouth. Do not use a toothbrush that is too big or too small. A toothbrush that is too big or too small will not properly clean your teeth and may be uncomfortable. A soft bristle brush will be gentle on your teeth and gums and will not cause your gums any harm.
Choose a toothpaste brand that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent cavities and dental decay. Daily use of fluoride can reduce dental decay by more than 60%. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride is an easy way to apply fluoride to your teeth for protection.
Any toothbrush or toothpaste with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval is a good dental product to choose. Choosing dental products with this seal is important because it shows which products are safe and effective.
How can I find out more about oral hygiene?
Our dentists are available to answer all your oral hygiene questions. They offer instruction with visual aids to help you and your family understand how to properly take care of your teeth at home. Please contact our dentists for a free oral hygiene consultation.
