Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining good oral health. Developing healthy brushing and flossing habits, along with a regular dental visits, can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Here are the best practices that help maintain a healthy smile.
- Maintain good oral hygiene
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. This oral hygiene routine prevents plaque buildup and cavities from forming. It is also a good idea to use mouthwash after you brush. This helps to rinse away any extra bits of food that may still be in your teeth after brushing.
While brushing your teeth twice a day is important to keep oral health in tip-top shape, it’s equally important to floss every day to remove food particles and bacteria from between teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Bacteria left behind can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Brushing and flossing regularly also helps keep your breath fresh and mouth clean!
Consider using floss picks or interdental brushes for areas around your brackets where traditional floss may be difficult to maneuver. Even using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help remove food particles from the tight spaces between teeth and along your gum line. This can also help keep your breath smelling fresh and minty clean throughout the day.
Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months or as soon as the bristles begin to fray. A worn-down toothbrush won’t properly clean and care for your teeth. Regularly replacing your toothbrush can also help prevent any unwanted bacteria from spreading from one brush head to the next.
- See your dentist regularly
Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health, and seeing your dentist on a regular basis is essential to keeping your smile bright and healthy. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that you schedule a visit for a checkup and professional cleaning at least twice a year. Regular checkups can help stave off serious dental problems that require more extensive treatment later on. Regular dental exams can also help detect signs of other common whole-body diseases. So not only are you taking care of your smile by seeing your dentist for preventive care, but you’re also giving yourself peace of mind that you’re maintaining good overall health!
- Eat a healthy diet
In order to have a healthy smile, you need to consume a well-balanced diet that will provide you with the nutrients necessary to maintain your oral health. Additionally, you should limit sugary snacks and beverages, as they can cause tooth decay. When you choose healthy foods instead of those that are high in sugar, you are helping to prevent cavities. Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause decay, so when you abstain from or limit your intake of sugar, you are less likely to experience problems with cavities. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth. Water is also essential to maintaining a healthy smile, as it rinses away food particles and debris from your mouth.
In addition to eating right, you should also avoid food and drinks that can stain your teeth. Dark-colored foods and drinks have the potential to damage the appearance of your smile by staining the surfaces of your teeth. If you must indulge your craving for these foods and drinks from time to time, do your best to drink water right after you eat them. This can help to wash some of the staining agents off of your teeth and prevent their discoloration.
To learn more about maintaining your oral health, call us at (718) 459-4700 or visit Creative Dental of Queens at 63-58 Wetherole St, Rego Park, NY 11374.
