We want to see you for a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can help you enjoy good oral health and bright smiles. But you also need to care for your smile from home in between these visits. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about how good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing, can safeguard your smile.
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene Habits
When you take good care of your smile from home, this limits the severity of plaque and tartar buildup. The buildup is brought on by harmful oral bacteria consuming the particles of sugar and starch left behind on and between the teeth. These layers then weaken and erode enamel, and also irritate and inflame the gum tissues. Smiles are then at a greater risk of cavities, infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. Not to mention bad breath and teeth stains. But good oral hygiene habits can lower the risk of these issues, keeping your teeth bright, healthy, and functional.
Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth
First, let’s talk about how to brush and floss. These actions remove stray food and drink particles from the teeth, and help safeguard the smile from cavities and more. You should start your day by brushing for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. You need to do this again before going to bed. Be sure to brush along the gum line too! You can use an electric one too, as long as you’re taking time to clean your teeth daily for the amount of time we recommend. This helps kids and adults alike!
You also need to floss. This involves cleaning between the teeth with a floss pick or a length of floss tape. You run the tape up and down each side of your teeth, and dip below the gum line too. This removes what a toothbrush alone cannot, as we suggest doing this before you brush for the second time in the evening.
Maintaining Good Nutrition
The foods and drinks we consume impact oral health too! Try to cut back on ones high in sugar and starch, and instead opt for items like fresh fruit and vegetables, diary products, whole grain breads, and plenty of water. You want items high in vitamin C and D, which keeps the enamel and the teeth and gums healthy.
If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more.
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Wants to Help Your Smile
Our team wants to make sure you know how to care for your smile each and every day. Call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 for more information or to schedule your appointment.
