Understanding The Components Of Good Dental Hygiene

There are several things that go into practicing good dental hygiene. Just by doing any one of these things and ignoring the others can still create a host of problems from bad breath and yellow teeth to gum disease, cavities and tooth decay. Take a look at the five most important steps to good oral hygiene.

Brush and Floss daily

Brushing and flossing can help keep plaque formation at bay. When plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth for too long, it acts on the sugars found in foods and drinks and converts these sugars into acids that eat into the enamel of the teeth causing gingivitis and several other periodontal diseases.

Use Fluoride Products

Fluoride helps prevent premature tooth decay in adults and children and it also helps to strengthen developing teeth in young children. The best way to get the fluoride you need is to use toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain this ingredient. Your dentist may prescribe a gel, rinse or toothpaste with a higher concentration if necessary.

Watch What And When You Eat

Food particles that get lodged in and around your teeth when you eat provide plenty of fuel for bacteria that are present in the mouth. These bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel and weaken it. Snacking all the time provides an environment that these bacteria thrive on. Also foods that are high in sugars or starches, accelerate the production of plaque. Watching what you eat and when you eat is the key to preventing enamel erosion, which eventually results in cavities and decay.

If You Smoke, Quit

Using tobacco in any form increases the risk of periodontitis, tooth decay and gingivitis. It also increases your risk of oral cancer and contributes to stained teeth and bad breath.

Visit Your Dental Hygienist Regularly

Regular dental checkups are the key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. While twice yearly visits are sufficient if your teeth are in good shape, you may need more frequent visits if you have a history of cavities or other oral problems. Twice yearly oral checkups allow your dentist to do a thorough cleaning and inspection of your mouth. Regular cleaning helps remove any plaque that may have built up in hard to reach places and the inspection helps the dentist identify potential problem areas so that proper measures can be taken to prevent the problem from getting worse.

By Juanita Swindell

Understanding The Components Of Good Dental Hygiene 2015-06-12T16:39:00-07:00 Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: Admin