According to surveys from the American Dental Association, your smile is your most important physical feature. And how you take care of it can mean the difference between a grin that lights up a room, or a sub-par smirk that leaves you embarrassed and depressed. So, although you’ve probably heard the term “proper oral hygiene” before, what does this actually mean? In this post, the team at Distinctive Dentistry, your trusted dentist in Dallas, GA, define this key dental term, and give you tips to take care of your teeth and gums.
What Is Good Oral Hygiene?
Dr. Jack Bickford and Dr. Bobby Shirley explain that good oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and free of debris. Your mouth should both look and smell healthy if you take care of your smile correctly. Tending to your teeth and gums properly increases oral health and prevents the following issues:
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
- Bad breath
- Oral infections
- Tooth loss
How Can I Practice Good Oral Hygiene?
Our team recommends the following strategies to increase oral hygiene in patients of all ages:
- 2×2 – Brush gently twice a day for two minutes, and floss properly when you brush. Remember: brushing harder, but for a shorter amount of time, doesn’t give your teeth the care they need. Use the timer on your phone – or play a 2-3 minute song – to keep you on track.
- Right Tool For The Job – Make sure you’re using toothpaste that has fluoride in it, since the topical application of this natural mineral makes enamel strong. Also, consider switching to an electric toothbrush, since these have timers that make sure you brush long enough, and they use the right amount of gentle pressure.
- Eat Healthy – Since sugary foods and beverages cause many oral problems, cut down on sweet treats, including drinks like sodas and fruit juices. Switch to water, and enjoy veggies, high-protein refreshments, and dairy – say cheese, since this is especially great at protecting teeth. And, eliminate snacking altogether if you can, since grazing prevents saliva from remineralizing teeth.
- See Your Dentist – Even if you eat right and take great care of your teeth at home, you still need to see your dentist in Dallas, GA at least twice a year. With care from our team and in-office guidance on oral hygiene, your smile will remain healthy and bright.
- Be Accountable – All the tips in the world won’t help if you don’t actually use them – so be responsible, and put the suggestions above into practice. If you have a good regimen at home, and you receive regular professional care from our team, your teeth can last your entire life.
Now that you know what good oral hygiene actually is, and how you can practice it, schedule your appointment with Distinctive Dentistry and get more helpful hints on maintaining your smile when you see us in our office!
