Best Oral Care Practices To Have A Healthy Smile

When your teeth are not properly cared for, it could lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or tooth loss. Here are some other common oral problems caused by poor oral hygiene.

• Plaque buildup: Plaque, a biofilm that naturally forms on the teeth, is full of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can harden into tartar on the teeth. This can cause periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
• Tooth discoloration: Poor oral hygiene can cause stains and discoloration of the teeth. Things like smoking, drinking wine, or coffee can cause the teeth to lose their white sparkle.
• Bad breath: Plaque buildup can also cause chronic bad breath. The bacteria in plaque causes an unpleasant odor.
• Dry mouth: Saliva is essential to preventing tooth decay. When your mouth is not producing enough saliva, you are at a higher risk of developing cavities.

Best Oral Care Practices To Have A Healthy Smile

• Brushing your teeth regularly

Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the best oral care practices that can keep your mouth healthy. You should brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a gentle, circular motion to brush all your teeth. Brushing your teeth keeps plaque from building up on your teeth. You can also try using an electric toothbrush as they clean the teeth more effectively as compared to manual toothbrushes.

• Flossing daily

Flossing daily is one of the best oral care practices that will ensure a healthy smile. It’s important to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth. Food particles, if allowed to stay between the teeth, promote bacterial growth and lead to cavities. In fact, it’s recommended by the American Dental Association that patients floss every night before going to bed. 

• Rinsing your toothbrush

Rinse your toothbrush after you have finished brushing your teeth. This will help remove bacteria and food debris from your toothbrush, which can build up over time. You should also rinse your toothbrush after you have been sick, as germs and bacteria can gather on your toothbrush.

• Regular dental check-ups

It is recommended that you have a dental cleaning every six months. At these appointments, your dental team will clean your teeth, provide a thorough examination, complete an oral cancer screening, and take any necessary x-rays. If any dental problems are found, they are treated before they become severe.

• Avoiding sugary drinks and foods

Sugary drinks and foods can feed plaque-causing bacteria. Drinking sugary drinks throughout the day, like soda, can promote tooth decay. It can also lead to staining of your teeth. This staining could be resistant to even the strongest of whitening treatments. So, it’s important to consume these foods in moderation.

• Quitting smoking

Smoking cigarettes and using other forms of tobacco can wreak havoc on your oral health. It can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even a fungal infection of the gum tissues. It also causes bad breath and stains the teeth.

If you are a smoker, the best thing you can do to improve your oral health is to quit. It’s not just good for your teeth and gums but also for your overall health.

We know it can be difficult, so we offer support to help you quit. If you’ve tried to quit before, try being honest with your dentist, and they’ll be more supportive of your efforts.

• Avoiding teeth grinding

Grinding your teeth can cause a variety of dental problems, including jaw pain, tooth fractures, and worn-down enamel. If you know that you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard. Some mouth guards are custom-made by your dentist, while others are created to fit over your teeth.

To learn more about our good oral care practices, visit Amin Taba D.D.S. PLLC at 5701 Northeast Bothell Way Suite 3, Kenmore, WA 98028. Call us at (425) 486-9233 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.