Tips to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Everyone knows good oral hygiene forms the foundation of good oral health. So, what is good oral hygiene? Good oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth and gums clean. This includes brushing your teeth, flossing, rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleanings.

Benefits of good oral hygiene

• Through proper brushing and flossing, you can reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
• Good oral hygiene prevents cavities, which are one of the most common dental problems.
• Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often the result of food particles and other debris collecting in the spaces between your teeth. Good oral hygiene can prevent bad breath.
• Cancer of the mouth can be caused by tobacco, alcohol, and HPV. Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans each year. The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use. Oral cancer screenings are an important part of any dental exam. They help your dentist detect oral cancer and other oral problems early when they’re easier to treat.
• Tooth loss can happen for a number of reasons, one of them being poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly using fluoride toothpaste and visiting the dentist can prevent tooth loss. 
• The health of your teeth and gums can contribute to the health of your body. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits can strengthen your immune system, prevent oral disease, and even reduce your risk of certain systemic diseases.
• Good oral hygiene is not only important for a healthy, beautiful smile; it is so important for your overall well-being. 

Good oral hygiene practices

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, you should brush after every meal. Brushing keeps your teeth clean, but it also helps decrease your risk of dental disease. 

• Floss your teeth regularly

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral health. When food particles and bacteria build up between your teeth, they are difficult to reach with your toothbrush. This can lead to cavities and gum disease. When flossing is properly executed, it can greatly reduce your chances of getting cavities and gum disease.

• Use an antiseptic mouthwash

Before using mouthwash, make sure you thoroughly rinse your mouth with water. 

• Schedule regular dental visits

Your dentist can help keep your smile healthy by scheduling regular checkups and cleanings. Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup that your toothbrush can’t. You should also schedule regular checkups so that your dentist can examine your smile for signs of damage or decay. 

• Eat a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet is important for your overall health as well as your oral health. A diet high in sugar can lead to cavities and decay. Be sure to limit the intake of sugary foods and beverages.

• Quit smoking

Smoking interferes with good oral hygiene in several ways. Smoking and tobacco use are linked to periodontal disease. Smoking also causes stains and bad breath, all of which make dental care more difficult.

• Use mouthguards when playing sports

Mouthguards are an important piece of athletic equipment for many sports. They help to protect your teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw from injury. Mouthguards should be used during any sport, but especially in contact sports like football, ice hockey, and basketball. 

Wish to learn more about good oral hygiene habits? You can visit Pacific Highway Dental at 27020 Pacific Highway South, Suite C, Kent, WA 98032. Or you can contact our office to book an appointment at 253-529-9434 with Dentist in Kent WA.