Regular Brushing is Just One of Several Important Oral Hygiene Tips
If you’re looking for a periodontist in Orlando, look no further than us. But if you’re looking to avoid needing a visit, here’s a few tips to keep in mind.
Remember when you were little and your mother or father taught you how to brush your teeth? They did so because they knew how important it was to start good habits as soon as possible. Regular brushing is truly the first defense against a host of oral health issues, including cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Good oral hygiene tips not only include regular brushing, but also flossing and visits to your professional hygienist.
Brushing vs. Bacteria
Brushing your teeth twice a day is an easy way to focus on good oral hygiene. It only takes a few minutes and helps to remove the bacteria that feed on leftover particles of food in your mouth. As these bacteria grow, they form a sticky substance called plaque, and over time, the acids in plaque will cause damage to your teeth and gums. Furthermore, if plaque is not removed by brushing, it can harden into something called calculus. As calculus forms near the gum line, the plaque underneath releases harmful poisons, causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to periodontal disease. This is why it’s important to brush your teeth before you go to bed and at least one other time during the day, for at least two minutes at a time.
The Correct Way to Brush
It’s not enough to brush your teeth regularly — you need to do so correctly and with the right brush. Make sure to choose a brush with soft bristles and that fits comfortably in your mouth.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently move the brush back and forth in short strokes. Make sure to cover all areas of your teeth, including outer, inner, and chewing surfaces, and apply light pressure throughout, being careful not to cause discomfort. It’s also a good idea to give your tongue a gently scrubbing to rid it of harmful bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresher. Brushing at least twice a day is one of several excellent oral hygiene tips that, if practiced faithfully, can help prevent gingivitis and gum disease, among other oral health issues.
Don’t Forget to Floss
While brushing one’s teeth is an easy and effective way to keep their surfaces clean, it’s also important to remove the food particles in between your teeth and under the gum line that your brush can’t reach. Regular flossing with a waxed floss can accomplish this, and flossing after each meal is recommended. It’s also important to schedule regular visits with your hygienist and dentist, as these professionals can catch potential problems before they become more serious.
Good oral hygiene is really just a matter of a few easy habits that, if practiced regularly, can keep your teeth and mouth healthy for a lifetime.
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If you think you need to see a periodontist in Orlando or would like to learn more about good oral hygiene tips, contact us today.
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