What Are the Best Ways to Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home?
Taking care of your teeth at home can help keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life. All it takes is a few minutes each day. Here are some things you can do on your own to take care of your teeth:
Brush twice a day: Begin and end each day with brushing your teeth. Move your toothbrush in gentle, circular motions, with a soft-bristled brush, to clean the front, back, and top surface of each tooth.
Floss: Flossing is just as important as brushing and should be done at least once a day. Gently thread the floss between the teeth and scrape up and down the side of each tooth.
Drink water: Water helps to remove food debris from your teeth after eating. After a meal, drink some water and swish it around in your mouth for a few seconds to clean up leftover food.
Do not smoke: Smoking contributes to gum disease and can make it exceptionally difficult to keep your teeth and mouth clean. If you smoke, quit.
Limit sugar: A high sugar diet can cause plaque buildup, which turns into cavities if not removed. Consider what you eat and cut out food or drinks that are high in sugar, like candy or soda.
Use fluoride: Fluoride is an element found naturally in the earth which can prevent cavities. Make sure you are using a fluoridated toothpaste. Many cities add a small amount of fluoride to their water supply. You can contact your local government to find out if and how much fluoride is added to your water.
If you have any other questions about how to keep your teeth clean, don’t hesitate to call or visit My Ogden Dentist!