Why Good Oral Hygiene Matters
When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, prevention is better than cure. Basic oral hygiene means keeping your entire mouth clean, healthy and free of disease, which isn’t that hard once you’ve established a healthy regular routine. Creating good habits, and visiting a dentist regularly should help cover every base when it comes to your dental care.
We’ve put together a few oral hygiene tips to boost your home dental care routine, and keep your basic oral hygiene in peak condition to prevent any issues down the line.
- Brush at least twice daily – Not only should you be brushing twice a day, but you also need to invest in a toothbrush that reaches in between your teeth as well. A soft or ultra soft variety is best, as they are gentle on gums whilst providing an effective clean. We are often asked about electric toothbrushes and whether they improve your basic oral hygiene. In general, these toothbrushes have been shown to do a better job of removing food particles and plaque when used correctly, so you might consider investing to step up your at-home dental care. Always brush your teeth after meals and after snacking, especially sweets. Lastly, don’t rush! Spend at least two minutes using a slow, gentle sawing motion.
- Use a toothpaste with fluoride – Fluoride has been proven to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Use a toothpaste with fluoride and, although popular to do so, don’t rinse your mouth after brushing. This helps it stay on your teeth longer and promotes good oral hygiene.
- Floss every day – This is probably the most commonly ignored dental care tip given by dentists. Flossing is essential for removing food that gets stuck between teeth which leads to decay, so don’t skip it!
- Eat a healthy diet – The same healthy foods that are good for your body are also good for your oral hygiene. Limit the number of sugary foods and acidic soft drinks you eat and drink. Sugar leads to tooth decay, which in turn can cause gum disease.
- Regular check-up & clean – It’s vital to go and see your dentist regularly for at least twice a year. When you eat sweet or starchy foods, it causes the sticky film of bacteria known as plaque to form on your teeth. Plaque breaks down the tooth enamel causing holes or cavities. Brushing and flossing help prevent plaque from building up on teeth. Your dentist’s office can provide professional cleaning that removes this plaque, and restores your oral hygiene.
- Plaque that isn’t removed turns into tartar, a harder substance that leads to inflammation of the gums. Failing to keep plaque under control can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- Visit a dentist about bleeding gums – A sign that your basic oral hygiene is compromised is when your gums bleed or you feel any discomfort or pain after brushing, and you shouldn’t hesitate to see a dentist. You should also see your dentist if you experience any pain in your mouth, dry mouth, loose or shifting teeth, or receding gums.
Good Oral Hygiene Is Important at Any Age
Good oral hygiene helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. Get into the habit of following these basic oral hygiene practices and prevent the need for dental implants later.
Contact Boon Dental and book an appointment that’s convenient for you.