1. Regular, Proper Brushing
It may seem passe to say the key to dental hygiene is to simply brush your teeth – but you can’t get around it. It’s a huge factor – and the number one factor.
Be sure to brush up and down, back and forth, in small circles, on the top, front, and back of all teeth, and over the top of your gum line. Use a soft-bristled brush so you won’t scrape tooth enamel off or hurt your gums in the process.
Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well. It’s best to brush after each meal, but at least do it in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before retiring for the night. And make sure you use a fluoride-containing toothpaste!
2. Twice-daily Flossing
Brushing is necessary to great oral health, but it’s not sufficient. There are things that even the most properly done brush in the world can’t do – but flossing can.
You can use floss picks if you have trouble holding the string between your fingers, and you can get waxed floss or thinner floss to squeeze between teeth that have tight interdental spaces.
Flossing should be done after brushing and before using an antiseptic mouthwash. That way, you can focus on removing food particles that brushing missed and wash it away after loosening it.
3. Quit Smoking
Few things will hurt your oral health more than smoking tobacco products regularly. Not only does it risk lung cancer, but it also increases the risk of oral cancer.
And smoking can deeply stain teeth, contribute to the development of gum disease, and cause halitosis (the dental word for “chronic bad breath.)
4. Follow A Healthy Diet
There is more to dental hygiene than just brushing and flossing. That’s a matter of cleaning your teeth and gums, but it also matters what you put into your mouth to begin with.
Few things are worse for your oral and your overall health than sodas – best to avoid them or at least drink them sparingly. Coffee and tea can stain teeth and cause bad breath. Too much alcohol can hurt gum health.
More vitamins and minerals help maintain healthy teeth and gums – so up your intake of fruits and vegetables. Certain foods like apples and broccoli also help to clean your teeth by scraping the plaque off of them as you eat.
5. Regular Dental Checkups
At-home oral hygiene is the fundamental ingredient to good dental hygiene. But regular dental checkups, twice a year if possible, are also important. Annual tooth cleanings and an inspection of your gums by an experienced periodontist will act as a safeguard.
After all, even with the best at-home oral care, there can be some buildup of plaque and gradual negative developments you might not notice.
For further advice on maintaining good dental hygiene, or to schedule a checkup, contact us at Ormond Beach Periodontics today!