Taking measures to keep your mouth clean is essential for excellent dental health. A daily oral hygiene regimen is needed to remove the dental plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Good oral hygiene not only helps prevent cavities, but is necessary to battle bad breath. Making an effort to focus on your dental health will not only produce a dazzling smile, but has some added benefits as well. Since oral health is linked to overall health, good oral hygiene can improve your well-being. When your oral health is neglected, bacteria multiply and wreak havoc on your mouth. If gums become infected with periodontal disease, harmful bacteria can actually enter the bloodstream and make its way to other parts of the body. Practicing good oral hygiene can reduce your chances of developing complications or illnesses from a dental disease and could prevent the need for a costly gum disease treatment.

At-Home Techniques

A beautiful smile starts with an excellent oral hygiene regimen, so we have provided a few guidelines to help you lay the foundation for at-home care:

Brushing

Brushing is a common oral hygiene practice, yet many people do not do it correctly. We recommend that you brush at least twice a day and after meals. After eating, sugars and carbohydrates from food left on teeth combine with the bacteria in your mouth. This produces acids that attack your teeth, leaving you susceptible to tooth decay. A good tooth cleaning after eating will help remove dental plaque bacteria and reduce your chances of getting dental cavities.

Learning how to brush properly is vital. For proper brushing techniques, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums. Brush in a back-and-forth motion, making sure to reach every surface of each tooth. Brushing your tongue will further remove the bacteria that causes bad breath! Your toothpaste may also play a role in the success of your oral hygiene routine.  The American Dental Association recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste to greatly reduce dental plaque bacteria. Remember, a great rule to live by is to brush longer, not harder. You should brush for at least two minutes to remove as much dental plaque as possible, spending 30 seconds in each of the four quadrants of your mouth. Harder brushing will not get teeth cleaner. It can irritate the tissues in your mouth and actually cause gum damage! Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums, and be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months.

Flossing

No matter how well you brush, there are some areas you just won’t be able to reach. Flossing removes dental plaque that is hiding in between teeth. Learn how to floss properly with these tips: Start by holding the floss securely with each hand, and ease the floss between teeth. Gently rub the floss up and down, and curve it towards each tooth to cover more surface area. Once you reach the top, slide it under your gum line to remove plaque from beneath the gums. Be sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth because you do not want to put food particles and bacteria back in your mouth. Flossing at least once a day is recommended to remove the ongoing accumulation of dental plaque that forms between teeth. If you have trouble flossing, dental products are available to help such as waxed floss for easier maneuvering and floss holders that assist those who have trouble handling the stringy material.

Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwashes can also remove the bacteria that cause dental plaque. This helps prevent gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Like fluoride toothpastes, fluoride rinses help strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

Diet

You’re probably surprised by this one! But healthy eating habits are an equally important part of your oral hygiene regimen. Since sugars and carbs promote tooth decay, the more you eat, the better chances you have of ruining your teeth! Instead, focus on protecting your oral health by eating nutritional foods.

Professional Techniques

Regardless of how well you practice oral hygiene at home, regular dental visits every six months are essential to your dental health. A professional dental cleaning will remove dental tartar that you cannot remove on your own. If necessary, Dr. Zeng may even suggest an in-office fluoride treatment. Your dental hygienist can provide tips on brushing and flossing, and show you areas that need improvement in your oral hygiene routine.