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Oral Hygiene Tips For Good Oral Health

Posted by NISHIKAWA FAMILY DENTISTRY Oct 12, 2022

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Practicing good oral hygiene habits can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. These habits also help prevent bad breath and cavities. They can also help prevent many dental issues.

These tips can help you maintain good oral health for a long time:

Brushing Teeth Regularly

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential if you want to maintain good oral health and avoid costly dental procedures in the future. When brushing, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that is made for your unique smile. Also, it is best to brush in small circles with gentle pressure. This will prevent irritation and other damage to the gums. Talk to our dentist about proper brushing techniques if you are unsure of how to clean your teeth well at home. He or she will be able to guide you in the right direction when it comes to oral hygiene.

Flossing Daily

Daily flossing is just as important for at-home dental care as visiting your dentist for regular cleanings. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once a day to keep teeth healthy through regular removal of plaque that can cause cavities and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums throughout the day. 

Starting a new habit can be difficult, so the ADA offers several tips on how to best ensure good oral health each day:

  • Choose the right floss. The best type of floss to use is a soft-bristled variety, which is less likely to damage the tooth’s gum tissues while removing food and plaque from the spaces between the teeth.
  • Use the correct technique. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, and gently glide it down between each tooth in a C-shape motion. Do not snap the floss down into the gums, as this can hurt the gum line.
  • Don’t skimp on the time. Flossing should be done for at least two to three minutes each time to ensure all food and plaque are removed and to help prevent bad breath.

Antibacterial Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing are the two main ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine can help fight plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Look for an alcohol-free rinse, and use it twice a day after brushing your teeth.

Mouthwash is not a substitute for your toothbrush or floss, but it’s a good choice for use between your regular dental hygiene routines. Many antibacterial mouthwashes contain fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Some also contain ingredients that kill bad breath-causing bacteria. Ask your dentist to recommend a good brand for you to try.

Avoiding Sugary As Well As Acidic Foods and Drinks

While all of these foods and beverages are harmful to your teeth, red wine has an additional risk because it has a lot of acid in it. Our enamel can weaken when exposed to this high level of acidity. If you’ve noticed that your teeth aren’t as white or strong as usual, it could be from drinking too much wine. Limit your intake, and be sure to drink lots of water after drinking wine to balance the acid in your mouth.

There are quite a few foods that you should avoid if they contain high amounts of sugar: soda, sports drinks, fruit juices, candy, and even certain vegetables like corn and potatoes. These highly starchy foods can cause plaque buildup and, eventually, tooth decay. If you do consume any of these items, make sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible. The longer food stays on your teeth, the longer it’s being broken down by bacteria and transformed into acids that eat away at your enamel and cause cavities.

To learn more about oral hygiene tips, you can schedule your appointment with our Torrance dentist by calling Nishikawa Family Dentistry at (310) 543-1655 or visiting us at 3556 Torrance Boulevard, Suite C, Torrance, CA 90503. 

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