4 Tips From Your Family Dentist for Good Oral Hygiene

Wondering how to practice good oral hygiene? Read on for some helpful tips from a family dentist. Good oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. Regular visits to a family dentist for checkups, cleanings, and instruction in excellent oral hygiene are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

4 Helpful tips from a family dentist

The family dentist is the ideal person to advise you on how to practice good oral hygiene and keep your teeth and gums healthy. The following are extra guidelines your dentist wants you to know for proper dental care:

1. Properly cleaning the teeth

The cornerstones of a healthy oral hygiene program include a regular brushing and flossing routine. Your family dentist can demonstrate how to brush and floss effectively and suggest products to help patients achieve optimal oral health.

The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste and brushing twice daily for two minutes. Remember to clean the chewing and biting surfaces of the teeth in addition to the front and rear sides. Brushing the tongue is also important to remove bacteria that may lead to bad breath.

It is important to floss the teeth at least once a day to get rid of food and plaque stuck between them. If you have trouble using conventional floss, your family dentist may demonstrate the right technique and suggest alternatives, such as interdental brushes or water flossers.

2. A healthy diet

The food individuals consume might have an effect on their teeth and gums. Sugary and starchy foods may feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products are all important parts of a healthy diet. Try to limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods, as well as beverages like sweets, soda, and energy drinks. Brush the teeth or rinse the mouth with water after consuming these foods and beverages to help eliminate the sugar and acid on the surface of the teeth.

3. Scheduling routine dental exams

Visits to the dentist twice a year are important for optimal oral health. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, regular visits to the family dentist are essential for the early detection and treatment of dental issues.

For patients with a history of dental issues, the family dentist may suggest more regular visits than every six months. The dental team will clean the patient’s teeth, evaluate the health of their gums, and take x-rays if required during your regular dental appointment.

4. Breaking bad habits

Patients’ teeth and gums might also suffer from the effects of some bad behaviors. Tobacco use, including smoking, has been linked to an increased risk of periodontal disease, oral cancer, and tooth discoloration. A family dentist is a great resource for information and support to help break the habit.

Nail biting and using your teeth as tools are also bad for oral health. Your family dentist may offer advice on how to break these habits and avoid damaging the teeth.