Good oral health goes beyond simply having a bright smile. It plays a critical role in preventing oral diseases and maintaining your overall health, and it all starts with the basics of oral hygiene.
At Austin Advanced Dentistry, Aditi Saxena, DDS, Deepal Patel, DMD, and our team specialize in oral health education. Understanding the basics of oral hygiene and incorporating effective habits into your daily routine can help you achieve and maintain a healthy mouth for years.
Here’s what you need to know.
Oral hygiene doesn’t have to be time-consuming to be effective. Just three key habits are all you need to start taking good care of your teeth.
Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is the foundation of good oral hygiene. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque (a sticky film of bacteria).
Take your time. Brush for at least two minutes, reaching all your teeth and gums surfaces. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, as frayed bristles will not clean your teeth as well.
Flossing cleans between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach, so it’s important to floss at least once a day. It doesn’t matter what type of dental floss you use, as long as you take your time to floss properly and use a gentle sawing motion to avoid damaging your gums.
Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, and flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth and along your gum line, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Finally, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria, freshen your breath, and protect you against plaque buildup. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth and fight cavities.
Daily brushing and flossing are the basics of oral hygiene, but they aren’t enough to maintain optimal oral health independently. Even with proper brushing and flossing, plaque buildup can harden into tartar — and tartar can’t be eliminated by at-home dental care alone.
That’s where professional dental cleanings come in. At your appointment, we use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, paying special attention to hard-to-reach areas that regular brushing may miss. We polish your teeth to remove surface stains and apply fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
Plus, dental cleanings allow us to check for signs of oral health issues, like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early detection of these problems can lead to more effective treatment and prevent more serious complications.
We typically recommend getting a professional dental cleaning every six months, and at your appointment, we can also provide personalized advice to improve your oral hygiene routine.
Strong oral hygiene doesn’t stop there! Along with taking good care of your teeth, a few lifestyle habits can make a big difference in oral health.
Eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to promote healthy teeth and gums. Limit sugary snacks and drinks because they contribute to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food particles and bacteria. Keeping your mouth clean reduces your risk of cavities, and water also helps maintain saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth.
Finally, avoid tobacco products. Smoking and using other tobacco products increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco can significantly improve your oral health and your overall well-being.
By incorporating these oral hygiene habits into your daily routine and prioritizing regular dental visits, you can maintain a healthy mouth and lower your risk of oral health issues. Remember, a healthy smile reflects your overall health — and we’re here to help. Book an appointment at Austin Advanced Dentistry online or call us at 512-886-6734 to get started.