Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but many people struggle with maintaining consistent habits. Neglecting the cleanliness of your teeth can lead to problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your oral health and prevent these problems.
In this article, we’ll discuss seven effective tips to help you improve your dental hygiene.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
Every time you consume sugary or starchy foods or drinks, something known as dental plaque is formed. When you eat or drink without cleaning your teeth, the bacteria in this plaque produce acids that can harm your teeth and gums.
One of the best ways to combat dental plaque and improve dental hygiene is to brush your teeth. It is best if you brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes every time.
Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of the medium or hard type. The best kind of toothpaste to use is a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your tooth enamel.
2. Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months
On the topic of brushing your teeth, your toothbrush won’t last forever. The more you use it, the more splayed or worn its bristles will be. When this happens, your toothbrush won’t be able to clean your teeth as efficiently.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months. If its bristles are in bad condition before three months, replace it sooner.
3. Floss At Least Once A Day
Sometimes, bits of food can get stuck between your teeth, particularly in the triangular gaps close to the gums.These areas are hard to reach for the bristles of a toothbrush. This means that relying on brushing alone will leave some food and plaque behind.
To prevent the build-up of plaque, getting into the habit of flossing will help tremendously. It is recommended that you floss at least once every day.
4. Use Antibacterial Mouthwash Daily
Flossing and brushing your teeth are great ways of improving your dental hygiene. However, you can never go wrong with a little more help, particularly for the areas surrounding your teeth.
To help keep your mouth clean of bacteria, use antibacterial mouthwash. Keep in mind that not all mouthwashes are effective against gum disease. For this reason, you should ask your dentist for help in looking for the best mouthwash for you.Also, remember to use an alcohol-free formula to keep you safe from dry mouth.
5. Pay Your Dentist A Visit Regularly
Your dentist is your best friend when it comes to your dental health. To have the best oral hygiene, you should visit them regularly.
During your check-ups, your dentist will examine your mouth for telltale signs of oral problems such as gum disease. Should they detect any problems, they can recommend the best way to address them.
You can also visit your dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned. A dental cleaning can remove any buildup on your teeth that your efforts were not able to get rid of.
6. Avoid Drinking And Tobacco Use
To further improve the state of your dental hygiene, you should avoid drinking and using tobacco. Drinking alcoholic drinks negatively impacts your oral health by drying your mouth. This removes the protection that your saliva provides. Some alcoholic drinks also contain simple sugars, which can lead to dental plaque.
Meanwhile, smoking decreases blood flow to the gums and worsens the formation of plaque in your teeth. In addition, it hinders your body’s ability to fight infections.
7. Eat A Healthy Diet
Lastly, a healthy, tooth-friendly diet is important for maintaining and improving your dental hygiene.Complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fat not only make your body healthier but are also harder for bacteria to break down. This prevents them from turning into acids, which will harm your teeth and gums.
Firm foods like fruits and vegetables stimulate the production of saliva. This substance dilutes the acids created by the bacteria in your mouth, weakening their effects.The nutrients you can get from eating these foods also keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
To prevent bacteria from making a home in your teeth, you should also avoid consuming foods loaded with sugar.
Quality Dental Clinic Near You In Eugene, OR
Taking good care of your teeth and gums is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and overall well-being. These simple yet effective tips can help improve your dental hygiene. They can also prevent common dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
Do you need a trusted dental clinic near you? Here at 360 Dental, Dr. Ari Binder has years of experience helping patients improve and maintain their oral health. With high-quality, comprehensive dental care, you will receive nothing but the best treatments and services.
Have any questions? Contact our office today at (541) 689-1645. You can also fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment with our friendly practice!