Do You Have Good Dental Hygiene?

When it comes to your health, good dental hygiene is an essential but often overlooked component. Poor dental health can lead to other health problems as well as resulting in oral pain, expensive corrective procedures and even tooth loss. Fortunately, good dental hygiene practices are not a difficult habit to pick up. In this post, we’ll discuss the habits that make up good oral hygiene, some of which may be familiar to you and some of which you might have not of known.

The normal activities of eating and drinking cause plaque, a thin film of bacteria, to form on your teeth. If left unchecked, these bacteria secrete acid, which eat holes in the enamel of your tooth. These holes are called cavities, and require a visit to the dentist to correct. But preventing cavities is easy. Regular, proper brushing removes plaque build-up, which prevents the bacteria from releasing acid. To correctly brush your teeth, follow these steps: hold your brush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth. Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and brush in short strokes across the front, back and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush as hard bristles can abrade the enamel and irritate your gums. To ensure that plaque doesn’t get a chance to damage your teeth, brush at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal and before bed is the best option however.

Brushing alone is not enough to protect your teeth. To remove plaque from between your teeth, you’ll need to floss too. Proper flossing is as essential as brushing, as bacteria and plaque can hide along the sides of your teeth and under the gumline. After brushing and flossing, consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash, as this will allow you to clean the areas of your teeth where brushing and flossing can’t reach.

Another essential step in good oral hygiene is to see your dentist twice a year. No matter how well you brush and floss, a professional dental cleaning is needed to get certain substances, such as tartar (solidified plaque) off your teeth. In addition to the cleaning, your dentist will be able to check for cavities and other oral diseases. Choosing the right dentist is easy with us. Community Dental Group serves Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village with a complete array of dental care services. We look forward to serving you and your family.