Dental hygiene is more important to your overall health than you may already know. Aside from cavities and bad breath, maintaining good oral health helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and infections that can spread to other areas of the body. Good dental hygiene is just one piece of the oral health puzzle. Regular visits to a general dentistry practice are the best way to stay on top of oral health. Here are 8 things to do on your own before your next dentist appointment:
Brush Twice A Day
To remove food particles that attract bacteria, the ADA recommends brushing for 2 minutes at a time twice daily.
Floss Daily
Brushing doesn’t always get the hard-to-reach places. Flossing at least once a day gets food bits the toothbrush missed and also helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
When the bristles on your toothbrush get worn and damaged, it isn’t as good at cleaning teeth and can actually cause damage to gums. At least every 3 months, or if you notice damage to the bristles, is a good replacement schedule.
Dental Hygiene Products
Brushing and flossing are irreplaceable parts of dental hygiene routines, but they don’t have to be the only parts. Using other oral care products, in addition, can be very beneficial. Some options include mouthwash, oral irrigators, and tongue cleaners.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is a good idea in general, and it helps maintain dental hygiene. Drinking water rinses food particles away and helps saliva flow.
Eat Crunchy Fruits And Veggies
Aside from being good for your diet and overall health, foods like apples, carrots, and celery help remove bacteria that cause plaque on your teeth.
Examine Your Mouth
Regularly taking a good look inside your mouth to see if you notice any changes or anything unusual about your teeth and gums is a great way to stay on top of your oral health.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is extremely important, but there is no substitute for seeing a dentist and getting professional cleanings. It is highly recommended to visit your dentist twice a year.
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These tips are the start to maintaining good dental hygiene habits. Make sure to have that next appointment scheduled. If you need anything in the meantime, we have here to help, call or office today!