Heard of good oral hygiene practices? If you don't practice good oral hygiene, plaque, a film of bacteria and food particles, will build up. Because plaque isn't easily removable, it will stick around and infect your teeth. This can cause cavities, pain, discoloration, and a whole host of other issues. So, good oral hygiene practices are considered the foundation of good oral health. Let's see what good oral hygiene means and how to practice it. 

What is good oral hygiene?

Good oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue clean and healthy. 

What are the benefits of good oral hygiene?

Good oral hygiene can prevent dental issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay. It also ensures that your teeth are white, clean, and free of plaque. 

Tips for practicing good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene habits help prevent cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more. Practicing good oral hygiene habits can also ensure the longevity of your teeth. Good oral hygiene habits include:

• Visit the dentist regularly

Our dentists recommend patients visit their dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. These appointments can help our dentists detect and diagnose any oral health issues early.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can help prevent food debris and bacteria from accumulating in your mouth, which can help prevent both cavities and gum disease.

• Floss daily

Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, it's important to floss once daily to remove food debris and bacteria from areas your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing is essential when you want to keep your teeth as clean as possible. It removes food particles that get trapped between your teeth and gums. Food particles that are caught in your teeth can lead to bacteria and plaque, which can eventually lead to tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

• Use an antiseptic mouthwash

A mouthwash is most effective when used correctly. Brush and floss your teeth, and then rinse for a full two minutes. Mouthwashes don't provide the same cleaning power as flossing. However, you should use a mouthwash at least twice a day. Ideally, you should swish with mouthwash in the morning and again at night.

• Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet can help to keep teeth strong and healthy. Avoid cavity-causing foods like sugary or highly acidic ones.

• Use tobacco-free products

Tobacco use can greatly increase your chances of developing gum disease. If you're a smoker or chew tobacco, talk to your dentist about quitting. 

• Reduce your intake of sugar

The more sugar you consume, the more likely you are to develop tooth decay. Eating too much sugar can also lead to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Limit your intake of sugar by drinking water during meals, avoiding snacks and sweets as much as possible, and brushing your teeth after you eat.

At Midtown Dental, we provide tips and solutions that will improve your oral health while transforming smiles. Visit our office, Midtown Dental, at 750 George Washington Way, Richland, WA, Suite 1 99352. You can also reach us at (509) 946-1678.