Regular dental and periodontal care can help you avoid oral infections and costly treatments. In this article, we address the question: How to maintain excellent oral health?
How to Maintain Excellent Oral Health
There are several main components of excellent oral health:
At-home Oral Hygiene Routine
Every day oral hygiene routine is the most critical component of maintaining excellent oral health. To build an effective oral hygiene routine, we recommend following these rules:
- Brush your teeth twice a day. When you brush in the evening, make sure to avoid eating anything afterward to prevent food residue and bacteria from lingering on your teeth and gums overnight.
- Spend two full minutes brushing your teeth. Brush your teeth on both sides and along the chewing surface. Also, pay special attention to brushing along the gum line. When brushing along the gum line, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. However, use gentle motions to avoid harming your gums.
- Floss your teeth every evening. It is recommended to floss before brushing to dislodge plaque and food particles between the teeth, which can then be effectively removed with a toothbrush. Be careful not to push the flossing thread too deeply into the gums to avoid bleeding. If flossing feels inconvenient, try special floss threaders, floss picks, or interdental brushes.
- Add a water flosser to your daily routine. It is best to start your routine with this device, as it helps loosen plaque and food debris, making it easier to remove them with traditional floss and a brush afterward. A water flosser is effective in preventing gum disease and enhancing your overall oral hygiene. However, remember that it can not replace traditional flossing and brushing, but should be used as an additional step.
- Another additional tool we recommend trying is a mono tuft brush. It can be used to brush each tooth individually, further boosting your hygiene. You can use a mono tuft brush as an additional step 1 to 2 times a week. Typically, you will spend 5 to 7 minutes on the procedure.
Correct Products
- Choose a fluorite toothpaste for your everyday oral care. Avoid whitening and abrasive products to prevent enamel damage.
- Choose a medium-soft or a soft toothbrush, depending on the condition of your gums. The brush should be gentle enough not to harm the gums, but still effective at removing plaque. Ask your dentist to recommend a brush that will be most suitable for you.
Regular Dental Visits
For people with good oral health, it is recommended to schedule checkups, professional cleanings, and fluoride treatments twice a year. If you have gum disease or your teeth are prone to cavities, you might be recommended to visit your dentist every 3 to 4 months.
During professional cleanings, your dentist is able to effectively remove plaque and tartar that linger in hard-to-reach areas in the mouth and between the teeth. Fluoride treatments are effective at remineralizing the enamel of your teeth, making them more resilient to bacteria and cavities. Additionally, regular checkups will help spot and treat potential oral health issues before they become severe.
Good Lifestyle and Dietary Habits
We recommend following these rules to prevent oral infections and tooth damage:
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can destroy the enamel of your teeth
- Abstain from smoking—the leading cause of gum disease
- Do not use your teeth as tools, chew on hard objects, or eat hard and crunchy foods
- Wear a mouth guard if you play contact or extreme sports
Take Care of Your Oral Health with a Leading Specialist
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist today. Specialists at our dental office are dedicated to helping you maintain excellent oral health. We are looking forward to your visit.
