HOW CAN YOU MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HEALTH AT HOME?

Oral health is more than just keeping your teeth and gums healthy. It’s keeping your whole body healthy – maintaining the body’s ability to fight infection, preventing disease, and preventing the mouth from becoming a gateway to infection for the rest of the body.

Here are the simple tips for maintaining your oral health:

Brushing and Flossing Regularly

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once. This helps remove plaque from your teeth. Brushing your teeth is just as important as flossing. When brushing, you should take your time and brush for at least two minutes. You should brush all surfaces, including the backs of your teeth and your tongue. Brush every day and floss daily.

Using the Right Brushing Technique

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the tops and fronts. Brushing too much pressure can result in receding gums. 

Using the Right Flossing Technique

Flossing is a dentist-recommended practice that removes plaque buildup and bacteria from between teeth and along the gum line. However, flossing incorrectly or using the wrong tools can do more harm than good. To effectively remove plaque and bacteria, follow these flossing tips.

• Wrap a strand of floss around your middle fingers.
• Use a gentle sawing motion and floss between teeth.

Replacing Your Toothbrush When Necessary

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles of the brush begin to fray or look worn. Also, replace your toothbrush after you have been sick or right after you have been through a round of antibiotics.

Stop Smoking and Chewing Tobacco

Tobacco products increase your risk of developing gum disease. When you smoke or chew tobacco, you are exposing your teeth and gums to harmful chemicals. Tobacco products also increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Avoiding tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your oral health.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Visiting your dentist regularly is recommended for most patients, including those who have all of their natural teeth. At each visit, your dentist will examine your entire mouth, looking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. If you are due for a cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, reducing your risk of gum disease.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Reducing your sugar and carbohydrate intake can help to prevent tooth decay. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in the mouth produce acids that wear away tooth enamel. This erosion can lead to cavities and tooth decay.

Drink Water Regularly

Water plays an essential role in your oral health. Water remineralizes enamel, helps flush away food particles, and hydrates the soft tissues in your mouth. Drinking water regularly throughout the day is also good for your body’s health, too.

To learn more about our dental procedures, call us at 505-797-1000 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Drive NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109.