Good oral hygiene is not complicated. If you want to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, you can do it by following a few steps consistently. The basics of good oral hygiene include eating a healthy diet, brushing your teeth, flossing, and going to routine dental visits. These are elements that most people learn from childhood, but it is still good to revisit the basics from time to time.
Healthy diet
It is no secret that your diet impacts your body. ‘You are what you eat’ is a phrase that many people have come to believe is true. The quality of your diet also impacts the condition of your gums and teeth. For optimum oral health, you need to eat a healthy diet. Your teeth and gums need nutrients to remain strong and healthy. Low-quality foods can have a negative impact on your teeth. For example, highly processed foods often contain sugar, dyes, and other elements that can stain your teeth and lead to decay. Avoiding these types of food – as much as possible – will be beneficial to your oral health.
Brushing
Brushing is the most basic element of good oral hygiene. Parents often brush their baby’s ‘teeth’ before the first one even emerges through the gums. Small children learn to brush as the first step toward good oral hygiene. It important not to forget the importance of brushing at least twice per day. It is easy to become lax with elements of your day that seem routine. Becoming lax with your brushing can lead to serious issues like decay and gum disease. Brush consistently and properly to maintain good oral hygiene.
Flossing
Flossing is a basic element of good oral hygiene that many people avoid. You have heard it before and you will hear it again here – flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. Flossing helps remove harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It can get to areas of your mouth that brushing simply cannot reach.
Routine dental visits
Making and going to routine dental visits is a basic element of good oral care. During your routine dental visits, plaque and tartar buildup are removed. Your dentist assesses the condition of your teeth and gums during these visits to check for signs of problems. These routine dental visits are a basic way that you can care for your oral health and prevent future issues.
You can maintain your oral health and prevent a long list of problems by following these basics of good oral hygiene. If you are lax in any of these areas – determine to become proactive and consistent once again. You can start today by eating a healthy diet, brushing, and flossing according to the recommendations of your dentist. And, if you are ready to schedule your next routine dental visit, you can do that with Coral West Dental.
