Are you practicing good oral hygiene? Poor oral hygiene can lead to a lot of problems with your oral health as well as your general wellness. However, there are still a lot of people that do not practice good oral hygiene. If you want to avoid major dental issues in the future, these tips will help improve your oral health.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is very important to your oral health because it helps to reduce the bacteria in your mouth and as a result, your chances of having cavities and dealing with tooth decay. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal, but since most people do not go around with a toothbrush in their pockets, you should rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash after eating a meal if you are not at home.
Flossing is also very important because it helps to remove the food particles that are still stuck between your teeth after you brush. When you are done flossing, rinse your mouth with mouthwash to remove any lingering food particles in your mouth.
Regular trips to the dentist significantly improve your oral hygiene because you will get your teeth cleaned with a strong solution of fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities. Your dentist will also provide you with tips on how to clean your mouth properly and can spot signs of other health problems like oral cancer, allowing you to get treatment early and improving your chance of survival.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are bad for your health, and they also put you at risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you are a smoker, you have to give up the habit to decrease your chances of getting oral cancer or gum disease.
If you are unable to quit on your own, there are plenty of products available over the counter or by prescription to help you stop smoking.
Eating sugary and starchy foods is bad for your oral health because the bacteria in your mouth feed off the sugars, leading to the formation of plaque on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it will harden and become tartar, which leads to gingivitis and more serious gum disease.
If you must have sugary foods, eat them in moderation and make sure you brush your teeth shortly after eating to remove the bacteria in your mouth and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
If you drink sodas and sugary drinks, use a straw to drink the beverage so your teeth do not get exposed to the sugar in the drink.
Practicing good oral hygiene improves your oral health and helps you avoid major dental problems in the future. If you want to learn more ways to practice good oral health, ask your dentist for tips on how to properly take care of your mouth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.providencefamilydentistry.com or call Providence Family Dentistry at (678) 496-7021 for an appointment in our Mableton office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Hygiene Basics.
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