Daily oral hygiene is one of the things that your family dentist will always talk about when you visit the dental office. Having a daily dental routine is important to keep the mouth free of gum disease and cavities. This article focuses on important oral hygiene habits to adopt as part of your daily routine.
The following are important oral hygiene habits to follow.
This is perhaps the most common advice when it comes to practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing in the morning is essential to eliminate bacteria, make the breath fresher and reduce the occurrence of plaque on the teeth. Also, brushing before bedtime will clean any microbes that have accumulated in the mouth during the day.
This may sound surprising, but many people brush their teeth incorrectly. Good brushing requires reaching all the surfaces of the teeth and clearing away all the plaque that can damage the enamel. For optimal results, it is better to brush in gentle, circular motions and angle the brush bristles so they contact the teeth from the gum line up. It is advisable to choose the right head of toothbrush, with soft bristles, and to replace the brush every three to four months.
This goes along with brushing the teeth. Brushing gets rid of dirt and plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, but it hardly cleans between them. Flossing reaches into the tiny gaps between the teeth to get rid of dirt while soothing the gums. If bacteria are left in between the teeth, it could lead to a series of problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
There are different brands of toothpaste and making a choice can be daunting. A family dentist recommends getting toothpaste with the ADA’s seal of approval, which means it has been tested to meet regulatory standards for oral care. The toothpaste should also contain fluoride, a mineral that strengthens the tooth enamel.
Mouthwashes are efficient but people tend to overlook their importance. They make an excellent addition to any dental hygiene routine, as they can help keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria. Different types of mouthwashes contain varying ingredients to solve specific problems. Whether the need is to stop bad breath, get fluoride to strengthen the enamel or stop bacteria growth, there is a type of mouthwash available to meet the need. Also, mouthwash can help clean dirt and bacteria from hard-to-reach parts of the mouth.
As useful as the above daily oral hygiene tips are, they cannot replace routine visits to the family dentist. Going for biannual checkups can help keep track of one's oral health and ensure that no issues are developing. Also, the dentist can remove stubborn plaques or tartar that are not removable through regular brushing and flossing.
Even if you have not visited the dentist in several years, you can contact the dental office for an appointment with the general dentist. They will provide recommendations to keep your oral health in good condition.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.
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