Oral Hygiene Tips for a Healthy, Confident Smile

Keeping your oral health in great shape is a team effort between you and the dentist. At-home oral hygiene and professional care combine to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
Observe the following tips to preserve your oral health.

• Brush twice daily: Brush your teeth at least two times daily. Use fluoride-based toothpaste, and don’t forget to clean your tongue. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, and ensure you reach all five sides of your tooth. We recommend using an electric toothbrush, but a manual one works fine when used correctly. Consistent brushing removes plaque and surface stains to keep your smile healthy and aesthetically appealing.
• Floss daily: One oral hygiene regimen often overlooked is flossing. Flossing clean areas between teeth and along the gum line, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Several types of dental floss exist, but the type doesn’t matter as long as you use the right technique. Gently guide the dental floss between your teeth, and move the floss up and down to remove food debris and plaque. Be thorough but careful enough to avoid harming your gums. If you find traditional floss challenging, consider using a water flosser like Waterpik.
• Use mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash kills harmful bacteria from tricky areas in the mouth. Read the label and carefully follow the provided instructions. Swish your mouth with the oral rinse for 30 seconds and spit it out. Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can cause irritation or dryness. Switch to alcohol-free alternatives if you experience discomfort.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Consider a dental-friendly diet, such as almonds, leafy greens, dairy products, etc. Drink plenty of water to wash away harmful bacteria and stimulate saliva production. Limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks because they increase the risk of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Similarly, reduce the intake of acidic foods because they can erode the enamel over time.
• Visit the dentist regularly: Even with good at-home dental care, visiting the dentist plays an essential role in your oral health. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to detect early signs of tooth decay, infections, oral cancer, and other issues. Early detection of oral health issues results in less invasive and more economical treatment. During oral wellness visits, we clean your teeth professionally to remove unhealthy deposits from hard-to-reach areas.
• Avoid/manage bad oral habits: Quit tobacco use of any form. Tobacco contains harmful substances that can stain your teeth and cause gum disease, bad breath, and oral cancer. Also, protect your mouth with a customized mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth.

Taking care of your teeth and gums offers several benefits, including:

• Prevention of tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, etc.
• Early detection of oral issues
• Improved systemic health
• Enhanced aesthetics
• Preventive care is an affordable way to maintain your healthy smile