Good oral hygiene can be the cornerstone of good health.
Do you know what is the secret for enjoying a beautiful smile, fresh breath and set of pearly white teeth?
It’s simple!
Just make sure that you maintain optimal oral hygiene.
How can you do that?
Continue reading to find out.
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is not just important for having strong teeth and a charming smile, it is also essential for enjoying optimal physical health. According to the American Dental Association, your mouth acts as a gateway to your entire body; everything you eat or drink first passes through the mouth, and then goes to the digestive system.
If your oral health is not good, the harmful bacteria present inside the oral cavity can travel along with the food into other body organs, causing various health issues, some of which may even be life-threatening!
In fact, science is now discovering that your oral health is a key to your overall health. Things like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other health problems can be traced back to oral health.
So what is the first step in getting vibrant oral health?
Oral Hygiene is the first step in vibrant health – meaning, how you clean, maintain, and care for your mouth, teeth, and gums, on a daily basis.
How Do I Know if I Have Good Oral Hygiene?
– Strong, healthy and clean teeth that are free of cavities
– Healthy, pink gums
– Fresh breath
– A sparkling and attractive smile!
If you feel that your gums bleed when you eat or brush your teeth, or you have bad breath, it’s time for you to visit us for a dental check-up, as it may indicate an underlying problem. We will help you in developing good oral hygiene habits that will go a long way in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
How do I Maintain Good Oral Hygiene?
The American Dental Association and our dentists at ABC Dental offer the following suggestions for maintaining good oral hygiene:
Brushing Regularly and Correctly – brush your teeth at least twice a day.
What is even more important is how you brush your teeth. During your routine checkup appointment, our top Chicago dentists will teach you proper technique for brushing your teeth that best suits your oral hygiene needs.
Floss Regularly – many people think flossing is optional; unfortunately, it is NOT!
No matter how effectively you brush your teeth, the bristles of the toothbrush are unable to penetrate the tight spaces between your teeth.
This is where flossing becomes useful.
When you floss your teeth correctly, you clean the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and remove plaque deposits. This minimizes the bacteria and buildup between your teeth which then reduces the chances of developing cavities.
Use a Fluoride Toothpaste – we recommend a fluoride containing toothpastes for teenagers and adults. Fluoride makes the teeth stronger and prevents cavities and can help with sensitivity.
Change your Toothbrush Regularly – The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three or four months.
First, over time the bristles of your toothbrush lose their effectiveness and don’t do as good a job cleaning all surfaces of the teeth, thereby increasing the risk of teeth cavities and gum problems.
Secondly, over weeks and months, bacteria will buildup on your toothbrush. So you want to make sure you replace it regularly.
Eating a Tooth-friendly Diet – some foods, such as green vegetables and fruits that contain fiber and minerals help to make your teeth strong. Also, sugary foods and drinks feed the bad bacteria that secrete acids that can erode the protective enamel on your teeth as well as cause tooth decay. And finally, minimize acid foods because they can slowly erode the protective enamel on your teeth.
During your appointment, you can ask one of our top Chicago Dentists for information on foods that can help you maintain optimal oral health.
Most importantly, you should visit us regularly for checkups, so that any underlying dental problems can be diagnosed early. Follow these simple tips, and you can say goodbye to dental problems.