Covering all the bases of good dental hygiene is the best way to ensure your overall oral health. But what are the best steps to practice every day for good oral hygiene? It’s really pretty simple!
1. Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat!
Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day. (Drs. Sparks, and Campbell recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush). And when you’re brushing, be sure to clean between the teeth where the toothbrush doesn’t reach. To keep gums healthy and remove plaque in those hard-to-reach spots, make sure to floss daily. Then follow up your oral care regime with a dentist recommended antibacterial mouthwash. Or ask your favorite Norman Smile Center staff member about fluoride to strengthen your teeth’s enamel! Remember—if possible—it’s best to brush your teeth after every meal. If you’re always on the go, rinse with water or chew a stick of sugar-free gum to clean your teeth.
2. Regular Dentist Visits
Regular brushing and flossing is essential, but so are regular dentist visits! Make sure to schedule an appointment here at Norman Smile Center for a professional cleaning and dental check-up! The American Dental Association recommends that you come in every six months for cleaning to remove calculus build-up and keep your teeth healthy. So if you’re past due for a cleaning, give Norman Smile Center a call today!
3. Eat Smart
When it comes to oral health—a good, balanced diet of whole foods is essential! This includes your daily-recommended allowance of fruits, veggies, dairy, nuts, whole grains and, as hard as it might be, cut sugary foods! When bacteria in our mouths break down simple sugars, they produce acids that can wear down the teeth’s enamel and lead to decay. Yikes!
4. Seal Off Trouble
Do you have dental sealants? Sealants are a thin, tooth-colored coating applied to the fissures and chewing surfaces on the back molars to fight off cavities. Children receive their permanent molars around age six, and this is a great time to protect these important teeth! Talk to your dentist about getting dental sealants for your child.
5. Don’t Smoke!
Not only does tobacco increase your chances of developing gum disease and oral cancer—it stains your teeth! Advise your children to never take up the bad habit, and—if you use tobacco products yourself—consider quitting. If you ask Drs. Sparks, and Campbell, they will tell you that in order to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth pearly white—avoid this bad habit!