How to Maintain Your Oral Hygiene

Having healthy teeth and gums is something that people can take for granted. However, it is important to understand that your own effort at maintaining oral hygiene in LaGrange, KY is critical to keeping your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. Premature loss of teeth and developing oral health conditions often go together with not having a consistent routine for taking care of your teeth and gums.

Brush and Floss at Least Twice Each Day

Plaque and tartar can build up quickly when you neglect to brush and floss consistently, resulting in tooth decay and other oral health problems. We recommend brushing and flossing your teeth after breakfast and before bedtime every day. Flossing is especially important because it removes particles from between teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Look for Fluoride

Many Americans do not get the fluoride they need to strengthen their teeth from their diet alone. Buying bottled water with added fluoride and brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste are two simple things you can do.

Stop Smoking and Limit Alcoholic Drinks

The effects of smoking on oral health are obvious. Your teeth take on a yellow or brown appearance and become structurally weaker due to the continued exposure. With alcohol, people tend to focus more on what it does to the rest of the body without realizing that alcohol causes mouth dryness. With less saliva in your mouth, you are more likely to have increased bacteria leading to tooth decay.

Visit Byrne Family Dentistry Twice a Year

Cleaning and polishing your teeth every six months is critical for long-term oral health. Your preventive care visit also gives us an opportunity to check for tooth decay and oral diseases and begin treating them early. Please schedule a dental check-up today if we have not seen you in more than six months.

Sources

Oral Health Tips | Adult Oral Health | Basics | Oral Health | CDC