Tips To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Do you know why good oral hygiene is considered the cornerstone of a healthy mouth? This is because, without good oral hygiene, you risk losing your teeth to countless oral complications. In fact, poor oral hygiene is one of the primary causes of decline in oral health that leads to gum disease and tooth decay.

What is oral hygiene?

Good oral hygiene refers to all the practices you use to keep your mouth clean and healthy. 

Importance of oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy body. This is because infections in the mouth can affect the overall health of the body. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of serious health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, oral cancer, and pregnancy complications.

Tips for good oral hygiene

• Brushing and flossing

At a minimum, brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. Brush your teeth for two minutes each time, making sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone can’t remove.

• Using a mouth rinse

Mouth rinses can help wash away food particles and help keep your breath smelling fresh. Talk to your dentist about what type of rinse is best for you.

• Use a tongue scraper

A tongue scraper is different from a traditional toothbrush. It’s designed to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from your tongue without the hassle of brushing. By removing these germs, it keeps your breath fresh and clean. It also promotes better oral health.

• Regular dental visits

Your dentist is trained to see signs of decay in the teeth and areas of the mouth that are hard to spot yourself. With regular dental appointments, your dentist can detect early decay and intervene before the cavity is too deep for the filling. Regular dental visits also make it more likely that your dentist will catch signs of gum disease in its earliest stages, allowing for more conservative treatment.

• Avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco

Tobacco can discolor your teeth, cause bad breath, and lead to gum disease. Using tobacco also greatly increases your risk of developing other serious health concerns such as cancer. The carcinogens in tobacco cause your body to produce chemicals that damage your teeth and gums.

• Avoiding sugary foods and beverages

Sugars feed the bacteria that cause decay. Keeping your teeth free of added sugars will help your smile stay healthy and strong for years to come.

• Chewing sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which can help prevent tooth decay. Chewing gum can also wash away food particles and plaque, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Tanega Dental, located in South San Francisco, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and latest technologies. Call us at (650) 794-0203 and schedule an appointment with our family dentist.