The Importance of Committing to Proper Dental Hygiene

 

Dental HygieneThere is a common misconception flossing and brushing in the morning and evening will suffice for dental hygiene.  These cleanings are important, yet they are often rushed through due to fatigue, stress, distraction etc. A quick cleaning of the teeth two times per day is not enough in and of itself to combat the formation of cavities, the onset of gingivitis, halitosis and other oral health issues.

Here is a look at the basics of proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.

Commit to a Comprehensive Daily Dental Health Care Routine

The best way to maintain oral health is to make a full-fledged commitment to a daily oral health routine. People need to cater this routine to their unique oral health needs. Perform a thorough brushing and flossing at least two times per day. Dedicate 5-10 minutes to each of these teeth and gum-cleaning sessions.

It is beneficial to perform a nightly cleaning well enough ahead of one's bedtime, so one is not tempted to rush through it.  Brushing and flossing the teeth a minimum of two times per day is essential to removing plaque that has the potential to form a hard coating on the teeth known as tartar.

Fluoride is Essential to Oral Health

Do not believe the negative hype about fluoride.  Fluoride from tap water, toothpaste and trays/gels provided by the dentist are essential to oral health.  Fluoride is important for youngsters as well as adults as it strengthens the teeth, preventing decay that causes cavities and other oral health problems.  Meet with a dentist every six months to determine if additional fluoride treatments are necessary for the form of trays, rinses or gels.

When in Doubt, Brush and Floss More Frequently Than You Assume Necessary

The average person assumes the teeth should be flossed and brushed in the morning and evening.  However, the best approach to dental hygiene is to floss and brush the teeth after each meal and/or snack.  Keep in mind each time someone eats, a considerable number of food particles will be in the mouth.

These particles turn into an acid that eventually spurs tooth decay.  So go ahead and clean the teeth after each meal/snack to ensure the teeth and gums are in optimal condition.

Tobacco is a Threat to Your Oral Hygiene

Smoking or using smokeless tobacco heightens the odds of oral cancer, periodontitis, gingivitis and tooth decay.  The use of tobacco also leads to halitosis and teeth-staining.  The bottom line is tobacco is the enemy of oral hygiene.

Diet Also Impact Efforts to Maintain Dental Hygiene

Try to avoid foods and beverages with a considerable amount of acid, starch and/or sugar.  Such items have a terrible impact on oral health.  Foods with a significant amount of sugar or starch are the primary cause of plaque that causes dental cavities and gingivitis.  Select your foods and beverages with care and it will be that much easier to maintain a high level of dental hygiene.

Call us at (559) 975-1213 for more information from Visalia Care Dental or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Visalia.

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