No matter what your age is, it’s never too late to start taking better care of your teeth. Prevention is key to maintaining proper oral health! Being informed on what particular dental problems you are at risk of developing and how you can reduce those risks will help you decide what dental hygiene routine is best for you. Did you know that our susceptibility to various dental problems change as we age? Each person’s risk factors are unique and that’s why it is important to maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups with your dental hygienist.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only make you look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being. In fact, poor oral health has been linked to conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
So, what is good oral hygiene? Good oral hygiene is hygiene that results in mouth that looks and smells healthy.
This means;
- Teeth are clean and free of debris
- Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad breath is not a constant problem
If you have any of these conditions, that can indicate a problem, you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist. Your dentist and hygienist can you help you identify the areas in your mouth that require a little extra attention and provide you with the tools and techniques you need.
So, how do we practice good oral hygiene daily?
A we mentioned previously, prevention is key. Daily preventive care that includes proper brushing and flossing will help stop problems before they develop. In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems that can be expensive, worrisome and painful.
We recommend the you take the following steps to promote healthy habits related to your oral health.
- Brush thoroughly twice a day for 2 minutes
- Floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
- Use dental products that contain fluoride, yes even your toothpaste!
- Lastly, set the example for your children and make caring for your teeth fun!
Maining proper oral health doesn’t need to be a burden and it doesnt need to mean spending hours at your dentist office. Good oral health begins with you. It’s always better to prevent a problem than to have to cure it!
— Ashley Giritli, Project Smile Program Coordinator
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