Best oral hygiene practices

Do you know good oral hygiene can do wonders to your oral health? It can help you uphold your oral health, aesthetics, and functionality besides preventing the occurrence of any dental issues. 

What is good oral hygiene?

Good oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's teeth and mouth clean by religiously following proper oral care habits. 

What are the signs of poor oral hygiene?

Poor oral hygiene can lead to the following symptoms:

• Bad breath
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Sores, like canker sores or cold sores
• Gum recession, exposing the roots of teeth
• Halitosis, or persistent bad breath
• Tooth decay
• Tooth loss
• Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums

Good oral hygiene practices

You can follow good oral hygiene by practicing the following:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day

Flossing your teeth at least once a day is also an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. A soft-bristled brush or an electric toothbrush is most effective at removing food particles from the crevices of your teeth.

• Flossing once a day

Flossing should be done once a day. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that builds on teeth and can lead to cavities. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.

• Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash

Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash can help protect the enamel from bacteria that cause cavities. Just swish the mouthwash for 30 seconds, spit it out, and follow up with brushing and flossing.

• Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks

Acidic foods and beverages wear down your enamel, causing tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and decay. Avoid them as much as possible.

Sugary foods and drinks, such as candy, cookies, and soft drinks, cause tooth decay and cavities. 

• Routine dental exams and professional cleanings

Failure to keep up with your dental checkups can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. These problems can be avoided when you make regular dental appointments part of your routine.

• Regular dental x-rays (if needed)

X-ray imaging plays an important role in detecting dental problems. Without them, some dental issues may go unnoticed and untreated. X-rays may reveal signs of bone diseases, tumors, cysts, decay between the teeth, and bone loss.

• Avoiding tobacco products

Tobacco products contain chemicals that stain the teeth. Nicotine stains the teeth directly, while tar in cigarettes and chewing tobacco causes the gums to recede, exposing the tooth's root and creating a yellow or brown tint.

In addition to staining the enamel, tobacco products also increase the risk of developing gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss.

To learn more about good oral hygiene habits, visit the ZM Dental office at 14502 N Dale Mabry Hwy #102, Tampa, FL 33618. You can also reach us at (813) 513-5045 and schedule an online appointment.