Good oral hygiene is not something you should do only the day before you go to the dentist. It is a lifelong practice of cleaning and maintaining a healthy mouth that will not only prevent things like cavities and gum disease but also prevent future health issues throughout your body. The main culprit to man oral hygiene issues is bacteria which can build up and cause plaque. Plaque is created when the bacteria in your mouth produce acidic byproducts from the foods you eat, especially sugars and carbohydrates. While it may not be possible to remove all of this plaque on your own, there are steps you can take to make sure you can get rid of as much as possible.
The first and most obvious step is brushing your teeth and flossing in between them on a daily basis. Flossing should be done at least once a day and you should always take care to make sure you get between all of your teeth. Most dentists recommend brushing twice daily using a medium or soft brush to prevent damage to the gums and other mouth tissue. In addition to your normal brushing routine you should also take time to brush or scrape your tongue to remove any excess bacteria. This will not only make you mouth feel fresher, but will also help any issues you may be having with bad breath.
Other oral hygiene measures you can take include using teeth whitening products or oral rinse aids to improve both the look and feel of your smile. These products will help reduce plaque and bacteria, and some even provide additional fluoride which is essential to keeping your teeth strong. And of course all of these measures should include regular visits to your dentist. Call and schedule your appointment with Shine Dental Group today and get on the path to a healthier oral hygiene routine.
