Basic oral hygiene is important for healthy teeth and gums, which in turn are essential for a healthy body, but if you are
one of those people who seem to be spending every spare minute in the dentist’s
chair, there may be one or two things that you aren’t doing properly when it
comes to oral hygiene.
Everyone knows that you should brush and
floss every day, but using a mouthwash and watching what you eat always plays a
big part in your overall oral health.
Brushing
According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry,
you should brush twice each day using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Use a
fluoride gel or paste and be sure and brush at a 45-degree angle for at least
two minutes using a soft bristled toothbrush. Replace your brush every two to
three months or when it begins to wear.
Don’t brush too hard or you could damage your
gum tissue. Brush behind your teeth and don’t forget your tongue. Your tongue
is loaded with bacteria that could cause bad breath. Check for red or swollen
gums while you brush and if you bleed, call and schedule an appointment with
Gentle Touch Family Dentistry.
Flossing
The American Dental Association explains that
flossing is just as important as brushing. Curve around and floss in between
each tooth. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry recommends that you floss before you
brush to remove the food and debris so that it can be brushed away.
Mouthwash
The mouthwashes that are approved by the
American Dental Association can get rid of gingivitis and whiten your teeth.
There are mouthwashes with fluoride and mouth rinses with anti-plaque
ingredients. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry recommends that you rinse after
flossing and brushing for at least 30 seconds. Just like brushing for two
minutes, rinsing for 30 seconds or more helps wash away any leftover debris
while killing germs and bacteria.
Diet
When it comes to basic oral hygiene, Gentle
Touch recommends that you enjoy a healthy diet as well. Eat lots of fruits and
vegetables and include a daily dose of calcium rich foods such as fish and
dairy products into your diet. Calcium helps protect your bones and the enamel
on your teeth.
Checkups
Regular dental checkups are right up there
with the rest of the basic dental health care tips. See your dentist at least
twice a year for a cleaning and a comprehensive dental checkup that includes an
oral cancer screening. If you are prone to gum disease or tooth decay, have
diabetes, or suffer from a systemic disease you may want to visit Gentle Touch
Family Dentistry more frequently.
If you would like more information regarding
basic dental health care or would like to schedule an appointment with GentleTouch Family Dentistry, call or click now.
