Follow These Oral Hygiene Tips for a Beautiful, Healthy Smile
Every day, our offices see patients of all ages and for various reasons. Some come to us for cosmetic procedures, others for deep cleanings or bone grafts, and still others for regular checkups. But believe it or not, there are many of them we’d rather not see at all. Why? Because unfortunately, too many patients visit us as a result of having ignored the basic steps of good oral hygiene, which lead to issues that later force them to seek out the expertise of a periodontist in Orlando. Taking care of one’s teeth and gums is very important. It’s why parents should teach their children at an early age to brush carefully and consistently, and why adults should follow some basic oral hygiene rules. Let’s look at those rules here.
Brush and Floss
All good oral hygiene begins with the toothbrush and its daily use. To protect your teeth and gums from the potential of periodontal disease, and to keep your mouth feeling clean and fresh, you should brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, for two minutes at a time. When you do, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short back and forth strokes across the sides and tops of your teeth. Then, hold the brush vertically and use several shorter strokes to focus on the backs of your front teeth, where plaque often builds up. It’s a good idea to use a brush with a head and bristles that are small enough to reach into the crevices of your molars, where food remains after you eat. Once you’ve finished brushing, it’s important to finish the job by flossing to remove any remaining trapped food between the teeth. The floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward ‘C’ shape, making sure to wrap the floss around each tooth. Sticking to this regimen every day will help you avoid having to seek out the services of a periodontist in Orlando.
Use a Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash after you brush and floss is another important step toward good oral hygiene. Mouthwashes can go where a toothbrush and floss can’t, ridding the teeth and gums of additional bacteria. For this reason, adding an alcohol-free mouthwash to your oral hygiene regimen is a smart move, one that can help keep your mouth healthy and happy. Remember, though, that daily rinsing with a mouthwash can’t replace the importance of brushing and flossing every day.
Eat and Drink Properly
Staying away from excessively sweet foods and drinks, and making sure not to snack at bedtime after you’ve spent time brushing and flossing, are both good ideas that will go a long way toward keeping you from having to visit a periodontist in Orlando. Sugary foods are a prime culprit of tooth decay, which if left unchecked, can lead to toothaches and tooth loss. Eating foods that are good for you promotes overall health in general, which in turn helps your body fight off bacteria in your mouth. So, substitute an apple for a candy bar and you’ll be doing yourself and your mouth a favor.
Visit Your Dentist
Making sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is the last step toward keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth looking and feeling good for a lifetime. Regular visits allow professionals to address any minor problems you may be having and treat them before they become worse.
If you’d like to learn more about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime, reach out to us today.
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