Your Complete Guide To Maintaining Good Oral Health

The Guide To Clean Your Teeth Each Day

Cleaning your teeth on daily is essential. Twice a day is typically recommended as the minimum. However, brushing your teeth right before bed is the critical time to brush, this is because your saliva flow is reduced when you sleep, so this helps facilitate washing away food debris. Scrubbing away bacteria and debris every morning and evening will help to prevent tartar buildup, cavity formation, and it can help to protect your tooth enamel from being compromised. 

It's okay to brush your teeth more than twice a day. However, no matter how often you choose to brush your teeth, it's important to pay close attention to “how” you brush so that you don't end up inadvertently damaging your teeth or gums. The critical thing to remember is to be gentle. If you use a manual toothbrush, brush your teeth in small, light circles; you shouldn't need to press hard enough to bend the bristles of your toothbrush. Scrubbing your teeth too rough can wear down your enamel and make you be more vulnerable to cavities. It also has the potential to cause your gums to recede, which is a permanent condition. If you use an electric toothbrush, allow the brush to do the work, but ensure every single tooth surface is gently cleaned.

Brushing isn't the only important part of your daily dental hygiene routine. It is also important to be cleaning in between your teeth at least once a day. You can use whatever kind of floss is most comfortable for you - waxed, unwaxed, or use a floss pick or you can even use a WaterPik brush. You can clean between your teeth either before or after you brush. The important thing is to do it regularly.

Some dentists recommend using mouthwash and others don't. Ultimately, whether you do or don’t is up to you and your dentist. Some mouthwash usually contains fluoride and some kills bacteria in your mouth, both of which may reduce your long-term risk of developing cavities.

Protecting Your Teeth

Establishing good oral hygiene foundation is only one part of maintaining your oral health. Protecting your teeth and gums from injury and damage is just as important. You can do so by avoiding these harmful habits:

• Avoid Smoking. Smoking is well known for causing and masking gum disease and it increases plaque build-up, in addition to more severe health problems.
• Don't chew tobacco. Chewing tobacco is another significant risk factor for gum disease and mouth cancer.
• Do not open things with your teeth. Yes, it's convenient to tear open a package with your teeth if you don't have any scissors handy, but this is bad for your pearly whites in the long term. Make a habit of using your teeth as tools, and you're likely to end up with a broken tooth eventually.
• Use a mouth guard. If you play a contact sport, don't take a chance; use a correctly-fitting mouth guard every time you're out on the pitch or in the ring.
• Avoid letting debris sit on your teeth. If you eat or drink during the day and can't brush your teeth afterward, then rinse your mouth out with water instead. If you do brush after eating, wait at least thirty minutes after eating before you brush your teeth.

Getting Professional Cleanings

A vital part of maintaining good dental health is getting your regular professional cleaning. There are two reasons not to put off your next cleaning. First, a dental hygienist will be able to clean your teeth more thoroughly with their specialized tools than you can at home. That means you'll be less prone to having negative build up and gum problems over the years. Secondly, your hygienist will be able to spot any problems developing in your mouth quickly, and they'll be able to help you to take action to fix the issues right away.

The Takeaway

Once your oral health is gone, it's hard to get back on the right track. No matter how healthy your teeth and gums are at the moment, it's worth making an effort to ensure that they stay in the best condition possible. Investing just a few minutes a day in your oral health can make a big difference in how your teeth and gums will look and feel years down the road. Statistically, those who have healthy teeth and gums live 7-10 years longer!

Book your hygienist appointment today!

Author

Dr. Oluyemi Workman Dr. Oluyemi Workman is the owner and founder of Braselton Smile Studio in Braselton Georgia. Her mission for Braselton Smile Studio is simple - treat her patients like family and provide a wonderful dental experience for her patients.