Healthy Practices To Maintain A Healthy Smile

Good oral hygiene and dental hygiene refer to the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean in order to prevent dental diseases and tooth decay. Good oral hygiene is particularly important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, which is important to general health and well-being. Not caring for your teeth can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. These issues make it more difficult to bite and chew and can cause pain.

Healthy Oral Care Practices To Have A Healthy Smile

• Brushing 

Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing helps remove food particles that accumulate between teeth, as well as harmful plaque and bacteria. It can also help you maintain healthy gums.

Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth in a circular motion, focusing on the outer and inner tooth surfaces.

• Flossing

While brushing your teeth helps to remove food particles and plaque, flossing helps you remove plaque that hides between the teeth. Flossing once a day is recommended for healthy gums.

• Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is highly effective in removing plaque and food particles as well as preventing them from reattaching to teeth. It also freshens your breath. Plus, mouthwashes that contain fluoride can helps prevent cavities. For the best results, use mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing.

• Limit Sugar and Starchy Foods

Your diet has a big impact on your dental health. Eating too many foods that are high in carbohydrates or sugars can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Sugar occurs naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and milk. Starchy foods include bread, pasta, rice, crackers, and cereal. So, it is important to consume these foods in moderation. 

• Quit Smoking

Smoking negatively affects your dental health in several ways. It increases your risk for gum disease and tooth decay while also damaging tooth enamel. It also causes bad breath, an unattractive cosmetic issue.

• Regular Dental Cleanings

Visiting your dentist for dental cleanings every six months is one of the best ways you can maintain your oral health. During your cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, including places your toothbrush can’t reach, such as underneath the gum line. They will also polish your teeth, leaving you with a brighter smile.

• Regular Dental X-Rays

In addition to a dental exam, your dentist may recommend scheduling routine dental x-rays. These x-rays can reveal problems such as cavities, abscesses, bone loss, and impacted teeth. They can also reveal signs of infection, tumors, cysts, and any abnormal growths in the mouth.

Silicon Valley Dental Care, located in San Jose, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care treatments for patients. Call us at (408) 224-1333 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more.