When it comes to your oral health, the goal is always to prevent and minimize tooth decay and gum disease. Here are our top tips to help you create those healthy habits!
1. Brushing and Flossing Effectively
Brushing effectively includes creating a habit of brushing your teeth for two minutes after every meal. This is particularly important in the morning and after your last meal of the evening. Effective toothbrushing technique, combined with adequate time brushing, removes plaque that harbors the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. The best practice for flossing is to floss after your last meal of the day to remove plaque to prevent bacterial growth while you sleep. Adequate daily brushing and flossing habits will help prevent or control tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease.
2. Rinsing with Fluoride
Studies show that frequent use of low-dose fluoride helps prevent and reduce cavities. An easy way to do this is to swish for 1-2 minutes with an over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinse after brushing and flossing.
3. Regularly Visiting Your Dentist
Regular visits to your dentist also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If you have tooth decay or gum disease going on, regular visits allow your dentist to diagnose and treat early to minimize destruction of your tooth structure and soft tissue and bones surrounding and supporting your teeth. Your dentist and hygienist can also help you evaluate how effective your current hygiene habits are so you can improve as needed. They will suggest and demonstrate how to get the most out of your brushing and flossing!
