Tips To Maintain Good Oral Health

Good oral health is essential to good overall health. Having healthy, strong teeth, healthy gums, and no cavities or signs of gingivitis or gum disease can have a major impact on your overall health. Here are a few tips for maintaining good oral and dental health.

• Brush teeth at least twice a day

Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque, a sticky film of food particles and bacteria that build up on tooth surfaces. Plaque that is not removed by brushing can harden into a rough surface called calculus or tartar, which can cause irritation to the gums. Only your toothbrush can effectively clean all parts of a tooth. So, brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Besides, it is also important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

When you brush, remember to be gentle in your motions but be thorough with your strokes. The goal is to clean the entire surface of your teeth, from the outer side to the inner sides. Make sure that you use your toothbrush at the correct angle for your smile. Your toothbrush should generally point towards your gum line at a 45-degree angle. But if you have crooked or crowded teeth, you may need a more angled toothbrush that can better reach these areas.

• Floss regularly

When you don't floss, plaque builds up over time between your teeth and on your gums. Plaque is made up of bacteria that will cause cavities to form as well as gum disease. By flossing every day, you will remove this plaque and keep your mouth healthy and clean.

To ensure you are flossing correctly, you should follow these guidelines. First, place the piece of floss between your teeth and gently move it back and forth along the side of each tooth. Use up and down strokes to clean in between your teeth. Use a back-and-forth motion on the backside of each tooth to remove plaque from that area as well. Finally, be sure to floss the back of your teeth to remove any debris or plaque there as well.

• Brush your tongue

Don't forget to also brush your tongue, as bacteria can hide there and cause bad breath. Your dentist may recommend a special type of mouth rinse to help maintain fresh breath in-between visits. By following these tips, you can ensure good oral health!

• Reduce your sugar intake

Cavities form as a result of acid eating away the enamel, so reducing your intake of foods and beverages that contain a lot of sugar can help ward off tooth decay. Drinking water can also help flush away lingering food particles and bacteria after eating, which can increase the risk of cavities.

• Drink water after every meal

Water will wash away food particles and harmful acids from your teeth, leaving your mouth clean and healthy. If you are unable to brush your teeth after a meal, swishing water around in your mouth will help clean tooth enamel and protect your smile against cavities. Drinking water throughout the day will also keep your body hydrated and help prevent dry mouth, which can cause bad breath and tooth decay. 

• Regular dental checkups

Your teeth have many hard-to-reach spots, so there's no way you can clean them as well as your dentist can. Your dentist will also be able to spot problems before you do, which can save you both time and money. Additionally, your teeth will be cleaned by a professional who has the right tools for the job. Without professional cleanings, plaque forms and hardens over time, and even the best brushing and flossing at home can't remove it. The bacteria in plaque can also cause cavities or gum disease.

Maintaining your oral health is a lifelong commitment. While you're probably used to visiting the dentist once every six months, some people may need to come in more frequently to keep their teeth healthy. Your doctor will be able to tell you if more frequent visits are necessary for your smile.

Contact Vasquez & Associates Dental Office if you have any questions about oral care. You can schedule a consultation by calling (760) 529-5339 or visiting us at 3601 Vista Way Ste 105, Oceanside, CA 92056.