Oral Hygiene
Have you ever experienced the discomfort of a toothache or the embarrassment of bad breath? Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental problems that can not only cause pain but also affect your health.
Caring for your teeth and gums can prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues impacting your quality of life.
One way you can improve your oral health is by seeking orthodontist treatment. There is a misconception that orthodontic treatment is just about straightening teeth. While it can help straighten crooked teeth, it is also about improving the function of your bite, correcting jaw misalignment, and improving your oral health.
When it comes to your dental health, you want to ensure you receive care from experienced professionals. Fortunately, the residents of Clovis or Fresno have access to the best orthodontic treatment available in the region.
It is home to several reputable orthodontic practices, serving the community for decades. The area boasts many orthodontic specialists with a proven track record of success who are committed to providing exceptional care for their patients.
They offer various services such as braces, Invisalign, and orthodontic surgery, with several offering free initial consultations.
If you’re looking for the best orthodontic treatment in Fresno & Clovis, look no further than the experts in the region. DiCissio Freeman Ortho’s commitment to providing exceptional care and utilizing the latest technology and techniques make them the top choice for patients and their families.
We suggest booking an appointment and getting a complete oral checkup done.
Moving on, this article will discuss tips that can help you improve your oral hygiene.
1- Gently Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day:
Brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps prevent cavities and gum disease, freshens your breath, and brightens your smile.
Another thing to keep in mind is your brushing technique. Brushing too aggressively or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can do more harm than good. You can increase the risk of damaging your tooth enamel and gums.
It can also lead to tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and cavities. So, next time use a gentle technique and a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your teeth and gums.
2- Include Flossing in Your Routine:
Flossing is a crucial step in maintaining good oral hygiene, and it’s one that many people overlook, with only around 30% of Americans flossing daily.
It removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and can access areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. It helps prevent cavities and gum disease, which are both caused by the buildup of plaque.
Studies have shown that flossing can reduce your risk of developing gum disease by up to 50%. Gum disease isn’t just bad for your teeth and gums – it’s directly linked with other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
3- Eat a Healthy Diet:
When it comes to your diet, certain foods can be particularly harmful to your teeth and gums. Sugary and starchy foods, like candy, soda, and potato chips, can stick to your teeth and feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
On the other hand, there are lots of foods that are great for your oral health. Foods like apples, carrots, and celery are great for your teeth and gums because they’re crunchy and require lots of chewing.
4- Don’t Forget to Clean Your Tongue:
You may not think about it often, but your tongue can accumulate bacteria affecting oral health. You can avoid that by cleaning it daily.
You can use tongue scrapers, designed for cleaning the tongue, and can be found at most drugstores or online. If you prefer to use your toothbrush, that works too.
Apply the bristles gently on your tongue, starting at the back and working forward. Don’t forget to rinse your mouth and toothbrush thoroughly after.
5- Use Mouthwash for Good Oral Hygiene:
You can incorporate mouthwash into your routine to freshen your breath and kill the bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease.
There is a variety of options available for different purposes. Some are better for freshening your breath, while others are better for fighting gum disease and cavities.
For example, if you’re prone to cavities, look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride or an antiseptic like chlorhexidine for gum diseases.
However, this dentist in Farmington highly recommends avoiding mouthwash with alcohol as it can dry your mouth.
6- Regular Dental Visits:
Ideally, you should schedule a dental visit after every six months. They can catch potential problems early, saving you from more expensive issues. For example, they can spot a small cavity before turning into painful toothaches or detect early signs of gum disease before it progresses.
But regular dental checkups aren’t just about preventing problems. It is also an opportunity to get a professional cleaning and remove any built-up plaque or tartar from your teeth.
7- Change Your Toothbrush:
Changing your toothbrush is a simple yet essential step to maintaining good oral health. Over time, those bristles can get worn down and frayed, making it harder for them to clean your teeth effectively.
The American Dental Association recommends changing it every three months or sooner if the bristles become visibly worn or frayed. And if you’ve been sick, replacing your toothbrush sooner is a good idea to avoid reintroducing germs into your mouth.
8- Replace Sugary Drinks with Water:
Drinking plenty of water is not just essential for staying hydrated, but it also has many benefits for your oral health. It acts like a natural cleanser, helping wash away food particles, bacteria, and other debris from your mouth.
Plus, drinking water can help stimulate the production of saliva, which is your body’s natural defense against tooth decay. It can also help prevent dry mouth, a condition where your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva.
9- Quit Smoking:
Smoking is not only bad for your lungs and overall health, but it also has numerous adverse effects on your oral health.
Smoking can cause bad breath, stain your teeth, and increase your risk of developing gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health problems.
10- Chew Sugarless Gum After Eating:
Chewing sugarless gum is not only a fun way to pass the time, but it can also have some surprising benefits for oral health. Chewing sugarless gum for just 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease by increasing saliva flow.
It helps neutralize harmful acids and wash away food particles and bacteria.
Conclusion:
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing dental problems. You can take care of your oral hygiene by following a few simple steps highlighted in this article.
So, prioritize your oral hygiene. Your teeth, gums, and overall health will thank you for it!
