Good oral hygiene is not just important for maintaining overall health. It is essential to have a strong and healthy set of teeth to flaunt a beautiful smile. While brushing and flossing daily can help maintain oral health, there are a few other tips that can go a long way in preserving your beautiful smile.
Brush and floss your teeth
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, before breakfast and before going to bed at night, is the best way to maintain good oral health. If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, leftover food particles will build up in your mouth and create plaque. Plaque releases an acid that can harm your teeth and gums.
In addition to brushing your teeth, don’t forget to floss daily as well. Flossing helps remove harmful plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line. You should floss at least once a day. However, flossing once at night before you go to bed is optimal because it removes plaque and bacteria from your teeth while you sleep. When you sleep, your mouth becomes dry, which makes it easier for bacteria to cling to and coat your teeth. By removing this plaque before it hardens into tartar, you can prevent unwanted build-up on your teeth. When you brush and floss regularly, you reduce your risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease.
Use mouthwash regularly
After you brush and floss each day, it’s helpful to use a mouthwash to help remove any remaining bacteria and keep your breath fresh and clean after meals or snacks. Some mouth rinses contain fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect tooth enamel, while others are alcohol-free. Ask your dentist to recommend a mouthwash that is right for your oral health needs.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth in your sleep
If you wake up with a headache or a sore jaw, you may have a condition known as bruxism, which refers to grinding your upper and lower teeth together while you sleep. A night guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance made of hard acrylic or soft plastic that helps protect your upper and lower teeth by preventing contact between them and absorbing the force of biting and chewing. A night guard should be worn every night to prevent premature wear on teeth and damage to restorations like fillings or crowns.
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings
Did you know that the average adult needs to visit the dentist at least twice a year? These biannual visits ensure that your oral health is in the best shape possible and that your smile stays strong throughout your life. Regular cleanings and exams allow your dentist to detect warning signs early, which can save you from more costly and painful procedures in the future. If you have recently undergone restorative or cosmetic treatment in-office, it may be recommended that you visit your general dentist more frequently until these restorations have had a chance to fully set.
Quit smoking now
Smoking is harmful to your overall health. It increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and can even lead to oral cancers. It can also affect your dental health in many ways. For example, it can increase your risk of developing gum disease because it decreases your ability to fight infections. It also stains your teeth and causes bad breath. So as difficult as it may be to stop smoking, it will be worth it in the long run for your health overall. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs in your area.
To learn more oral tips, visit Auburn Dental Group at 5603 Auburn St., Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93306, or call us at (661) 327-2189 to schedule an appointment.
