The best way to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile is with proper daily oral care. However, many people don’t realize how important good oral hygiene is to their oral health. From brushing correctly to diet, there are several ways to prevent dental concerns such as gum disease and tooth decay while also keeping your smile white and aesthetically appealing. Dr. Vimal Patel does his best to inform his patients in the Prosper, TX area about developing good oral care habits and preventive care.
Daily Oral Care
- Brushing – Brushing is one of the most important aspects of daily oral care. It will help remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque build-up from the surface of your teeth to prevent tooth decay, yet it is also important to be doing it correctly. Choosing a brush with soft bristles will prevent damage to your gums, and holding the brush at a forty-degree angle towards your gums will help lift plaque from between your teeth and gums.
- Flossing – Flossing is just as important as brushing, yet many people skip it. Your tooth brush can only reach about seventy percent of the surface areas of your teeth. Flossing will help remove plaque from the hard to reach places between teeth, and under the gum line. Not flossing will allow plaque and bacteria to push in between your teeth and gum line and may develop into gum disease. If not treated, gum disease can cause gums to recede and the bone to break down.
- Mouthwash – Though mouthwash isn’t essential in maintaining your oral health, it can still be beneficial to those who suffer from gum disease. Alcohol-free mouthwash can kill disease causing bacteria, rinse out plaque, eliminate food particles, and give you fresher breath.
- Diet – Foods high in sugar and acid are major contributors to tooth decay. When the sugar and acid mixes with the bacteria in your mouth it develops into plaque, which eats away at the enamel of your teeth. Avoiding these foods or brushing after consumption can lower your risk of tooth decay. Dark foods and drinks can also stain teeth.
Dental Visits
Though daily oral care is essential to your health, it is also important to see your dentist regularly. Your dentist can help deep clean the plaque and tartar from your teeth and check for any dental concerns. If you would like to know more about daily oral care and preventative dentistry, please contact our office today!