How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stresses the importance of practicing good oral care at home. Forming this routine allows you to have healthy teeth and gums. It can help prevent serious dental problems in the future. Here are the details that you must consider to maintain good oral care at home.

Drink More Water

Sugary and acidic drinks can weaken your enamel. This can make your teeth vulnerable to cavities. Drinking unsweetened drinks or water throughout the day is ideal. Drinking sugary drinks during meals is better. Eating stimulates the production of saliva, which neutralizes the acids that bacteria produce as they consume the sugars in your food.

Brush and Floss Before Bed

Brushing must happen at least two times daily. You should remember to brush before bed even if you are busy. Cleaning your teeth often can remove the plaque and food particles that collect in your mouth all day. Flossing before bed is also important. This can remove the plaque and food particles between teeth.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that protects your teeth from bacteria. It also strengthens your teeth. This element is present in most toothpaste and mouthwash brands. Using these products can improve your dental health and oral hygiene.

Brush the Right Way

Hard brushing tends to erode your enamel. This weakens the outer protective layer of your teeth. Without proper protection, your teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay. Using soft bristles and brushing in a gentle, circular motion for two to three minutes can remove plaque and food particles. The remaining plaque on the teeth will become tartar. This will then cause early gum disease.

Floss Every Day

Brushing is not enough. Your toothbrush cannot reach the narrow spaces between your teeth. Flossing can take care of this. This activity is as important as brushing. Doing it once a day can help reduce gum swelling, stimulate gums, and remove plaque.

Clean Your Tongue

Your tongue can harbor plaque. You can develop bad breath if you don’t clean your tongue. It can lead to other dental health issues. Use your toothbrush to clean your tongue. This will remove the sticky plaque that clings to your tongue.

Refrain From Smoking

Studies show that smoking harms your immune system. This makes it challenging to heal the soft tissues of the mouth. It increases your risk for gum disease. Smoking also yellows the tongue and teeth. It can also contribute to bad breath.

Limit the Intake of Starchy and Sugary Foods

Carbohydrate-rich foods can lead to dental decay. Candy, processed foods, and pasta are only a few examples. The particles of these foods tend to stick to the mouth. There, they break down and change to simple sugars that bacteria eat. The acids that bacteria give off while eating attack the enamel. Fiber-rich foods and sugar-free dairy are better choices.

Maintaining good oral care at home can help you prevent dental and general health problems. At Eagle Gate Dental, we always remind our patients to maintain their oral care routine and keep their dental appointments. Please visit our clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah, for an in-person consultation. Call us at 801-781-5300 to set an appointment or ask about our routine dental checkup packages.