Practicing regular oral maintenance is a key component to maintaining your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to diabetes and other ailments, which is why it is crucial that you have a daily oral hygiene routine. Regularly brushing and flossing not only decreases your chances of suffering from long-term health issues but also ensures that your teeth and gums remain in optimal condition.
Symptoms of Poor Oral Health
- Bad Breath
- Swelling and tenderness in gums due to plaque and tartar build-up
- Persistent sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods and beverages
- Receding gum line
- Loose teeth
Tips On Maintaining a Healthy Mouth
Brush Twice a Day
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth in the morning and the night. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and fit in your mouth comfortably. While brushing, use gentle circular motions as aggressive brushing can damage your teeth and gums. You should replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every three months in order to prevent the development of bacteria.
Floss Once a Day
It is recommended to floss once a day in order to clean between your gums and get all the leftover plaque, bacteria, and food after brushing. Flossing is a preventative measure against tooth decay and significantly reduces your chances of developing gingivitis.
How to Floss
- Get approximately 18 mm of floss and wind it around each index finger
- Curve the floss between each tooth to remove plaque and leftover food
- Repeat for each tooth
Mouthwash
It is recommended that you use mouthwash after you brush. Mouthwash helps kill the bacteria that are associated with bad breath.
No Smoking
Smoking discolours your teeth, and the nicotine and tar in cigarettes gradually destroy your gums and teeth. When you smoke, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and infections, which increases your chances of developing gum disease and oral cancer that can affect your lips, gums, teeth, and tongue.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
When you eat sugar, it coats your teeth, then combines with the saliva and the bacteria in your mouth, which results in plaque. When not properly removed, plaque can dissolve your enamel, which can lead to cavities.
Regularly Visiting Your Dentist
Regularly visiting your dentist (twice a year), will ensure that your oral health stays in optimal condition. During oral check-ups, your dentist not only cleans your teeth but also examines your mouth to ensure that you don’t have gum disease or any other oral ailments.
At Forest Hill Family Dental, maintaining your oral health is our number one priority. We make it our mission to not only provide outstanding oral care services but also educate our patients on best oral health practices. Contact us today and let’s become partners in taking care of your oral health.