What is Good Oral Hygiene?
Introduction
Having a good oral hygiene routine results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means your teeth are clean and free of debris, your gums are firmly held against your teeth and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss, and bad breath is not a constant problem. If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you’re experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.
How Is Good Oral Hygiene Practiced?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth and gums not only help you look and feel good, but they also make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.
Steps to Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Below, you’ll find helpful steps on how to look after your teeth, including proper brushing and flossing techniques. Add these steps to your routine to ensure you’re cleaning both the surfaces and in between your teeth effectively. Using these simple techniques can help prevent the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Proper Brushing Technique
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Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline.
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Gently brush the outside, inside, and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes.
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Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Proper Flossing Technique
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Use about 18" of floss, leaving an inch or two to work with.
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Gently follow the curves of your teeth.
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Be sure to clean beneath the gumline, but avoid snapping the floss on the gums.
Importance of Daily Oral Hygiene
Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and using dental floss, will help stop problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.
Dental Hygiene Helpful Tips
It’s never too late to improve your oral hygiene routine! Here are some simple steps you can follow to enjoy healthy gums and teeth:
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Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
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Use dental floss or interdental brushes daily to clean the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth.
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Use mouthwash to remove any leftover food particles – this will also keep your breath fresh!
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Limit the amount of sugary or acidic food and drinks you consume – try to eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh foods.
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Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or worn.
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Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and dental hygiene appointments for cleaning.
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Avoid tobacco products if possible.
Dietary Tips for Good Oral Hygiene
What you eat can really affect your oral health, especially if you don’t have a good oral care routine to clean your teeth and gums. Here are some tips relating to what you eat and drink that can help minimize your chances of developing oral problems like tooth decay:
Do:
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Eat a diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole foods – eating raw veggies like carrots or celery can actually help to clean your teeth.
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Brush your teeth or chew sugar-free gum around 30 minutes after eating to remove food particles and freshen your breath.
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Scrape your tongue after eating to remove bacteria that lingers on the surface.
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Drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth clean, rinse away bacteria, and reduce the risk of dry mouth.
Don’t:
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Eat a diet high in sugary or acidic foods - avoid sweets, chocolate, fizzy drinks, and alcohol as much as possible.
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Eat highly pigmented foods often as they will stain the surface of your teeth - this includes things like tea, coffee, fruit juices, red wine, cola, curry, and berries.
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Smoke or use other tobacco products.
Drive Dental: Your Partner in Oral Health
At Drive Dental, we are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Our range of dental care products, including fluoride toothpaste and advanced flossing tools, supports your daily hygiene routine. Visit us for regular checkups and cleanings to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong.
FAQs
Q: What is good oral hygiene? A: Good oral hygiene involves maintaining clean teeth free of debris, healthy gums that don't hurt or bleed, and fresh breath.
Q: How often should I brush and floss? A: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
Q: What are proper brushing techniques? A: Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline, use short back-and-forth strokes, and gently brush your tongue.
Q: How can diet affect oral health? A: A healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables promotes good oral health, while sugary and acidic foods can lead to tooth decay.
Q: How often should I visit the dentist? A: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to maintain oral health and prevent dental problems.
By following these expert tips and incorporating Drive Dental's products into your daily routine, you can ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.