Tips for Practicing Good Dental Hygiene

Preventive Care Dentistry

Forming good dental habits early on can be key to ensuring that your oral health is properly managed. A dentist can help to deliver the proper treatment you need when caring for your oral health. Maintaining good dental hygiene is just one component to living a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for preventative care to help instill good habits for your oral health: 

Tip #1 Brush, Floss and use Mouthwash 

One of the first steps to caring for your teeth is by regularly brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. Doing these things on a regular basis can help to prevent decay. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least two times per day. What’s even better? Brushing your teeth after every meal. You shouldn’t just stop with brushing; flossing between your teeth is key to ensuring that any food particles and bacteria are removed. Using mouthwash can help to remove any additional bacteria in your mouth to prevent buildup from plaque and tartar.  

Tip #2 Use the Right Toothpaste

Not all toothpaste measures up. It’s important to choose a toothpaste recommended by The American Dental Association. Looking for the ADA seal can ensure that you have chosen the correct toothpaste to in order to provide you with effective and safe results. 

Tip #3 Regularly Change Your Toothbrush

It’s important that you change your toothbrush on a regular basis, and, choose the right one. By not regularly changing your toothbrush you could be brushing your teeth with a dirty toothbrush that is full of bacteria. It’s recommended that you change your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months. When choosing a toothbrush, it may be a good idea to go with a brush that has soft bristles, this can help to prevent any issues that may come up with sensitivity. 

Tip #4 Do Not Go to Bed Before You Brush Your Teeth

Always brush your teeth before bedtime. Skipping this step before you go to bed could be problematic to your dental health. Going to bed without brushing your teeth can cause bacteria to grow at a rapid rate, resulting in expedited decay. 

Tip #5 Avoid Sugar

The overconsumption of sugar can cause serious problems to your overall oral health. Sugar is a common culprit of decay. Sugar can eat away at your enamel and intensify the bacteria in your mouth. Although it’s impossible to completely avoid sugar, cutting out sweets and sodas can be beneficial. Should you indulge, make sure you brush and floss after to avoid the growth of bacteria. 

Tip #5 Get Regular Cleanings

Seeing a dental hygienist for preventive care dentistry is recommended when striving for optimal dental health. Getting regular cleanings can help to ensure that your oral health is maintained and any issues are identified and treated as soon as possible. In some situations, you may not even realize that there is a problem. Tackling dental issues early on can help to mitigate the risk of more significant and costly issues down the road. Carefully follow recommendations from your dentist as to the frequency of cleanings. Some patients may require more frequent visits to the dentist based on their medical history. 

Resources:

Wikipedia, Dental Care

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