The Basics of Oral Care Everyone Should Know

Simple oral care habits, like brushing and flossing, can have a significant effect on your overall health. Following these tips can help ensure your mouth smells and looks its best, your teeth are clean of debris and your gums are pink and healthy.

Understand Your Needs

While brushing and flossing may be enough for some people to maintain good oral care, talk to your dentist about the best habits if you have any special conditions. For example, if you have dental implants or appliances like braces, your needs may differ. Also, tell your dentist about any changes in your overall health since your last visit.

Brush, Floss, and Rinse

Make a habit out of brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once. While brushing in the morning and before bed is adequate, it is even better to brush every time you finish a snack or meal.

Practice the right brushing technique to get optimal results. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft brush, then use a small circular motion to clean your teeth. Don’t forget to clean the backside of your teeth and gently brush your tongue. Doings this every day will remove plaque that, when combined with sugars in food, can produce acid that leads to cavities.

To clean debris and plaque from the areas between the teeth, floss once a day. If you have dental implants or dentures, your dentist may recommend using an unwaxed floss, but waxed floss is best for natural teeth. Hold it taut between your index fingers and gently move it up and down between your teeth.

After you floss, rinse with a mouthwash that kills bacteria. Reducing the number of bacteria in your mouth can lower your risk of gum disease, fight advanced plaque, and keep your breath fresh.

Choose the Right Toothbrush and Keep it Clean

Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that will clean your teeth without damaging your gums. Consider opting for a battery-operated or electric toothbrush that can reduce gingivitis and plaque better than manual brushing.

After brushing, rinse your toothbrush and store it in an upright position. Keep your toothbrush separate from the brushes of others in your household to prevent cross-contamination, and let it air dry before using it again.

Avoid Sugar

Sugars produce acids in your mouth, and the longer they stay, the more damage they do to your teeth. Eat a variety of foods to keep your teeth strong, and avoid sugary and starchy foods like candies, pie, cakes, cookies, gum, chips, breadsticks, and dried fruits. If you do enjoy these snacks, brush your teeth within an hour of finishing them.

Crunchy vegetables are a better option for snacking. Foods like celery, broccoli, and carrots contain healthy fiber and nutrients that will keep your teeth strong.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Make an appointment with your Dentist in Vista twice a year for professional cleanings and check-ups. During your visit, your dentist can remove hardened plaque, check your gums and look for cavities. You should also see your dentist any time you experience pain, soreness, or sensitivity in your mouth, teeth, or gums.