Everyone wants to have a healthy and great-looking smile. Good oral hygiene is essential to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. Habits such as brushing twice a day and scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams are necessary to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Oral health is not only about preventing decay or cavities. Research has shown that there is a strong association between oral health and overall health. A dentist near you in Richmond TX can help you maintain oral health and hygiene and ensure that you do not suffer from tooth decay, gum loss or any other associated problems.
To help you boost your smile and keep it healthy, here are 6 things you can follow and forget worrying about oral issues:
1. Brush for 2 minutes twice a day
Everyone knows that brushing is the most important activity for removing bacteria and plaque and keeping teeth healthy and clean. If bacteria and food particles are not removed from your teeth, they can contribute to the decay and cavities, causing serious damage to your oral health. However, brushing alone is not enough. You should also brush properly.
Use circular motions to brush tooth and remember to brush for 2 to 3 minutes. Using a hard-bristled brush or brushing aggressively can also hurt the tooth enamel or the gums. So remember to use a soft-bristled brush and change it every 3 months to get the best results.
2. Clean your gum line with a floss
Flossing is necessary to remove bacteria and plaque from areas of your mouth where the toothbrush cannot reach. These include between the teeth and below the gum line. It also helps in preventing bad breath by removing any debris and food trapped between the teeth. Since the area between the teeth is the most common place for cavities to form, flossing should be practiced at least once every day.
3. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride
Fluoride is a common ingredient in many toothpaste and mouthwash. It is believed that the use of fluoride can help in preventing cavities and decay. However, many people are not cautious about their toothpaste and use one without fluoride. Even if you take care of your teeth, the lack of fluoride can lead to tooth decay. While fluoride can be found in your water supply, it may not be enough to meet your daily needs.
4. Clean Your Tongue
The tongue is also a part of the mouth. A healthy tongue should appear pink. But if you notice that your tongue is slightly whitish in appearance, it means it is the home to foul-smelling bacteria. A dirty tongue is one of the major causes of bad breath. Improve your oral health and breath by brushing and scraping your tongue every day.
5. Abstain from smoking or tobacco use
Use of tobacco and smoking harm the immune system of the body. This makes it difficult for the body to heal worn out tissues, including the ones in your mouth. Smoking is also a risk factor for gum diseases. Further, if you smoke, it can slow down the healing of your teeth and gums after treatment. If you love your bright, white smile, you should know that smoking causes yellowing of teeth and tongue.
6. Visit your dentist regularly
Experts recommend that one should see a dentist every 6 months. During a routine dental checkup, the hygienist will clean your teeth and remove any hardened tartar or plaque. A dentist near you in Richmond TX will carefully examine the mouth for any signs of gum disease, cavities, oral health issues and even oral cancer.
Visiting your dentist regularly will ensure that you do not have to worry about your oral hygiene and your teeth remain healthy and dazzling white. With some diligent oral care at home, you will never have to worry about oral health issues. If you do face any concerns, the team at Grand Mission Dentistry is always here to help you.