Oral Hygiene

Your smile is one of the very first things people notice when they meet you. Maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen is important for a nice smile, but more importantly it is vital in maintaining good oral health. Good oral hygiene begins by visiting your dentist for dental checkups every six months. Consistent bi-yearly dental visits by a qualified dentist will allow you to receive thorough oral examinations and comprehensive dental cleanings.

Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily is recommended by the American Dental Association. You should replace your worn toothbrush every 3 to 4 months to ensure your teeth are getting properly cleaned when brushing. Your dentist can recommend the best tooth brush density for your teeth and gums. Tooth brush bristles come in a variety of strengths from soft to hard.

Flossing your teeth daily is another important step in preserving your teeth and gums while maintaining good oral health. The lack of flossing can be linked to a number of oral health problems including cavities, periodontal disease and bad breath. Sticky plaque and harmful bacteria is often times stuck between your teeth, even after thorough brushing. Using an interdental cleaner or dental floss helps remove stubborn plaque and food particles that a toothbrush can’t reach.

Antimicrobial mouth wash slows down and helps prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria and dental plaque in your mouth. Fluoride mouth wash helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay. You can find multi-care mouth washes in the pharmacy section of your local store; some toothpaste and multi-care mouthwashes also have teeth whitening agents that can help brighten and whiten your teeth. The combination of daily brushing and flossing followed by using mouth wash are key components to building a healthy oral hygiene regimen. Be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Approval on all of your oral hygiene products.