Oral Hygiene

Simply put, oral hygiene involves activities that promote good health of the mouth and prevent plaque build-up on the teeth. The activities include routine dental check-ups, professional dental cleanings at least twice a year, and brushing, flossing and using a fluoride mouthwash daily. When brushing, be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste.

Professional fluoride treatments also are available at dentist offices. They come in the form of foams, gels or rinses and can be applied by a dental hygienist.

It is important to keep teeth clean and free of debris. Signs of good oral hygiene include pink gums that do not bleed or hurt when brushing or flossing. Lingering bad breath or gums that bleed when brushing and flossing could be signs of a more serious problem, and a dental visit is recommended.

Good oral hygiene also is dependant upon refraining from using tobacco products, eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary snacks.

As much as we may love them, carbonated soft drinks can be detrimental to oral health. It’s a good idea to reduce the number of soft drinks consumed on a regular basis. However, if you must have a soft drink, rinse your mouth with water afterward. This removes the acids left by the soft drink that can damage tooth enamel.

If you don’t think oral hygiene is that important, think again. The first signs of much more serious ailments, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and HIV/AIDS often appear in the mouth first.