7 Tips for Good Oral Hygiene and Overall Health
Practicing good oral hygiene not only keeps your smile bright it will also help to prevent future medical problems. Poor oral hygiene causes a variety of dental problems including tooth decay, bone loss, and gingivitis or periodontal disease (gum disease). But did you know poor oral hygiene can also lead to heart disease and strokes?
Getting regular dental check-ups and following these seven tips are important for your teeth and gums and for your overall health.
- Brush your Teeth Twice a Day
This is the most important tip for maintaining good oral health. Sticking to a regular tooth brushing schedule will help to prevent plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day to keep your smile bright.
- Use the Correct Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth is the first step to good oral health, using the correct toothbrush is the second. Choose a toothbrush with a small head to be able to easily reach all surfaces of the back teeth or molars. Choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles and rounded tips tend to prevent gum irritation.
- Practice Good Brushing Techniques
Just brushing your teeth is not enough to prevent dental problems. Equally important is how you brush your teeth. It is important to thoroughly brush all surfaces of the teeth and especially along the gum line where plaque builds up. Having a good brushing technique will help to prevent cavities, gum disease, and plaque build-up.
- Replace your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes should be replaced at least twice a year and ideally every three months or sooner if the bristles show wear. Toothbrushes should also be replaced after an illness to prevent possible re-infection.
- Floss, Floss, Floss
We can’t stress enough the importance of flossing. Dental floss removes food particles and plaque between the teeth that your toothbrush misses. Daily flossing helps to prevent gum disease and cavities between the teeth.
- Eat a Healthy Diet
Sugar is one of the major causes of tooth decay. This is especially true of sugary carbonated drinks. As part of a healthy diet, limit the amount of sugar you consume. Eating and drinking healthy foods isn’t only good for your body it is good for your teeth too!
- Regular Dental Appointments
Make and keep your dental appointments. It is important to have a complete dental exam every six months or more often if you have dental concerns. Getting your teeth cleaned twice a year removes the build-up of plaque that your toothbrush just can’t remove no matter how often you brush. Dental x-rays and exams will find tooth decay that isn’t visible or hasn’t caused any discomfort. Regular dental check-ups help to find potential problems before they can become a major problem.
Making good dental hygiene practices a part of your daily routine is a simple way to prevent dental problems and help to prevent health problems in the future.
A healthy mouth creates a happy smile!