Healthy Practices To Support Good Oral Health

Good oral hygiene refers to practices that prevent dental problems. Practicing good oral hygiene involves cleaning the mouth, teeth, and gums regularly to prevent oral diseases.

How Does Good Oral Hygiene Support Good Oral Health?

Good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease by controlling the bacteria and food particles that accumulate in the mouth. When bacteria build up in the mouth, they secrete acids that erode tooth enamel, causing tooth decay. If food particles are not removed promptly, they can foster bacterial growth, leading to gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can prevent the onset of the majority of dental diseases.

Healthy Practices To Support Good Oral Health

• Brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth at least twice every day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is the first step in maintaining good oral health. Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth and causes tooth decay, thus preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

• Flossing

Even if you brush twice daily, it is not enough to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. It is essential to floss your teeth at least once to eliminate food debris and plaque from in between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Thus, flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

• Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash is effective against many of the bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth. The rinse is also safe for teeth and gums, which makes it an excellent addition to your oral healthcare routine. The antiseptic properties in the mouthwash help to eliminate bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. Though the mouthwash won't be able to fix enamel that is weak or has decay, it will help prevent bacteria from causing damage to the teeth.

• Eating a balanced diet

Eating a healthy diet is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and strong. If you aren't getting enough nutrients, your teeth and gums will suffer. A diet that's high in sugar, carbs, and acids can cause cavities and gum disease. Eating a balanced diet is imperative to support your teeth and oral health. 

• Regular dental visits and cleanings

Visiting your dentist regularly is important to maintain good oral health and prevent cavities and gum disease. Your dental team will clean your teeth and detect dental issues in their initial stages when they are easier to treat. 

• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

Tobacco products will cause yellowing, staining, and bad breath. Alcoholism can cause dry mouth, increasing your risk for cavities and gum disease. If you have the habit of tobacco and alcohol usage, quit them at the earliest. 

• Using mouthguards when playing sports

Whether you're active in sports or only play occasionally with friends, it's important to use a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Mouthguards are thin, flexible pieces of plastic that cover your teeth. Mouthguards prevent injuries such as chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, as well as injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues.

Visit Smile Makers Dental Care, 901 Sunvalley Blvd. Suite 240, Concord, CA 94520 for a professional dental checkup. Book an appointment online or call us at (925) 685-9339 for any questions or concerns related to bad breath.