Did you know that a single mouth is home to over 6 billion bacteria? Some of these are actually beneficial, but some are harmful and are responsible for tooth decay.
Certain strains of bacteria tend to build up as plaque, which, if left untreated, can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay – often cited as the leading cause of periodontal disease. To preserve your teeth and beaming smile, you should incorporate good oral hygiene in your life.
Five things you can do right now to preserve your teeth:
Brush Your Teeth Before Going to Bed
Most experts suggest that brushing teeth before bed gets rid of the plaque and bacteria that have built up during the day.
Brush Your Teeth and Floss Properly
You need a proper brushing technique for good oral hygiene. This requires placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently moving the brush back and forth to reach as many areas of the surface as possible. You also need to brush the inner surfaces of your teeth.
A good rule of thumb is to move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to get rid of plaque. As mentioned earlier, failure to remove plaque can result in gingivitis.
Brush Your Tongue
The tongue is a hotspot for bacteria that can contribute to foul odor and oral health problems. To remove these bacteria and keep your mouth fresh, it is pertinent to brush your tongue.
It doesn’t matter how well you brush your teeth, bacteria that have accumulated on your tongue can just as easily build up on your teeth and gums.
Experts recommend using tongue scrapers to clean the tongue because they can remove 30% more volatile sulfur compounds. With that said, a toothbrush is better than not cleaning the tongue at all.
Make Sure the Toothpaste Contains Fluoride
Fluoride is the most important element when looking for toothpaste. This controversial substance may have come under scrutiny due to its potential impact on other areas of our health, but it is an important part of top-notch oral health.
Fluoride continues to be the best defense mechanism against tooth decay. Not only does it fight bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, but it can also create a protective layer around the surface of your teeth. We also offer fluorde treatment in our office!
Use Mouthwash
Many people don’t use mouthwash because they don’t know how to use them. Mouthwash is effective in various ways. First, it can reduce acidity buildup in your mouth, reach areas you can’t reach with a brush, and remineralize the teeth.
Wrapping Up
These were just a few recommendations for good oral hygiene. Your long-term outcome of oral hygiene ultimately depends on your own efforts. You may not always be able to prevent tooth decay, but you can minimize the risk of severe gum disease by staying on top of your oral hygiene.
Make sure to also see a dentist regularly for an exam to catch potential problems before they get worse. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment at Jon C. Packman DDS to learn more about oral hygiene. Call us now at (704) 978-7060 to get in touch with our dentists.
Oral Care & Hygiene Statesville NC | Jon C. Packman DDS | Dentist To preserve your teeth and beaming smile, you can incorporate good oral care & hygiene in your life. Call Jon C. Packman DDS today to schedule your appointment! Jon C. Packman DDS, 1316 Davie Ave Suite A, Statesville, NC 28677 ^ (704) 978-7060 ^ jpackmandds.com ^ 10/6/2024 ^ Related Phrases: dentist Statesville NC ^