Oral Hygiene
Houston, TX
 Oral hygiene is of critical significance to you. It influences your ability to speak clearly, enjoy meals, and express feelings through facial expressions. If you protect your oral health by practicing good oral hygiene practices, it’s likely that you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.
But when it comes to oral hygiene practices, are you using the right techniques? There are oral hygiene practices that you need to follow in order to protect your oral health.
Regular Brushing
Oral hygiene practices start with regular brushing. When you keep your tooth’s surface clean, you reduce the risk of cavities. By keeping the area where teeth meet the gums clean can help prevent gum disease.
Here are some of the basics of brushing that can help you maintain good oral hygiene.
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Brush your teeth twice a day,
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Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush
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Use the right technique to brush your teeth
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Know when to replace your toothbrush |
If you are unsure about the right brushing technique, here is what you need to know.
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Place your toothbrush against your gums making a 45-degree angle
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Move the brush back and forth cleaning all chewing surfaces of the teeth
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Use gentle up and down strokes using the tip of the brush to clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth
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Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria |
Flossing
The other critical aspect of maintaining oral hygiene is flossing. This allows you to clean the spaces in between your teeth that you are unable to clean with brushing.
When you are flossing your teeth, don’t forget to be gentle as rubbing floss against your gums too hard can damage your gums.
Here is how to go about flossing to maintain good oral hygiene.
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Take approximately 18 inches of floss,
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Wind it around the middle finger of each hand while gripping it tightly between your thumbs and forefingers
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Take one tooth at a time and guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion
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Once the floss is at your gum line, curve it against your tooth such that the floss makes a C shape and use it to clean the space between the gums and the tooth
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Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth |
If you find it difficult to use floss, you can also use other interdental cleaners such as pre-threaded flossers, dental picks, water flossers, and interdental brushes.
Other Considerations for Maintaining Oral Hygiene
While brushing and flossing are some of the ways to maintain oral hygiene, you can also try using fluoride-containing mouthwash to promote your overall oral health. Using a fluoride containing antimicrobial mouthwash can significantly reduce the risk of bacteria and plaque formation that lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
However, it is always a good idea to discuss the use of mouthwash with your dentist before you try any new product.
Don’t Forget to See the Dentist
In addition to regular brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash, you also need to see your dentist at least twice a year. Regular dental exams can ensure that your teeth and gums are in great shape. Moreover, it also helps in early detection and treatment of problems, which helps ensure a lifetime of good oral health.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Garcia today and find out more about oral hygiene.
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