Oral hygiene is all about taking care of your mouth. This helps to keep your teeth clean, minimizes the risk of cavities, and keeps your mouth healthy.

Good oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth clean and in good condition. It’s more than just about keeping your teeth clean, though. Good oral hygiene is about taking care of your teeth to keep them healthy and strong, preventing problems, and giving you a beautiful smile.

What problems can poor oral hygiene cause?

Poor oral hygiene can cause a number of issues, including:

• Cavities
• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Teeth sensitivity
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bad mouth odor

Good oral hygiene habits

• Brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day can help prevent plaque buildup. Plaque is a mixture of food and bacteria that clings to your teeth and gums. When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens and turns into tartar. Plaque that is left on your teeth for a prolonged period of time can lead to cavities.

Plaque can also irritate your gums, causing them to become red and inflamed. If left untreated, gum disease can develop.

• Flossing

Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from in between teeth, and it keeps the gums healthy. It is important to floss once daily and, if possible, after every meal.

• Visiting your dentist

Regularly visiting your dentist is a key part of maintaining good oral health. The dentist can detect the initial stages of tooth decay, cavities, oral cancer, and gum disease, as well as provide tips for better oral hygiene at home. Although you might feel nervous before a dentist appointment, you should understand that your dentist is there to help.

You should schedule a dental exam and professional cleaning once every six months. However, you may need to visit more frequently depending on your oral health. Our dentist will inform you of the right intervals based on your needs.

• Fluoridation

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth. It also reverses the early stages of tooth decay by remineralizing the tooth structure. The benefit of fluoride is that it’s applied topically as a varnish, gel, or foam. So, it strengthens the surface of the teeth but does not affect the tooth structure itself.

• Rinse mouth with a mouthwash 

Mouthwash can help remove bacteria from your teeth, freshen your breath, and prevent cavities. Mouthwashes typically contain fluoride, which helps prevent cavities. Some mouthwashes also contain antiseptics to kill bacteria. However, overuse of mouthwash, especially mouthwashes that contain alcohol, can cause tooth sensitivity.