Dental Hygiene Habits that Produce Healthy, Attractive Teeth
Too many people take oral health for granted and don’t do their best to care for their teeth. As a result, they’re more prone to cavities and gum disease. If you want healthy teeth and a beautiful smile, you’ve got to do your part in maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes diligent brushing and flossing as well as routine dental cleanings. The following tips from Dr. Troy Schmedding of Family Dentistry of Walnut Creek can help you establish the dental hygiene habits you need for long-term good oral health.
What is Dental Hygiene?
Dental hygiene is cleaning your gums and teeth to free them from harmful bacteria and plaque that can cause cavities and dental disease. A good oral hygiene routine would include:
- Brushing twice daily (morning and night) with fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristle manual or electric toothbrush
- Flossing at least once daily. Brushing and flossing help remove food particles that can cause plaque buildup.
- Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash daily to keep harmful bacteria from accumulating on your teeth
- Routine dental exams, X-rays, and cleaning. Dental cleanings remove all plaque, bacteria, and tartar from your teeth, particularly areas where brushing misses. Dr. Troy Schmedding will take X-rays to check for problems beneath the gum line, where bacteria can breed. We’ll also polish your teeth to leave them shiny and smooth.
Request an Appointment
Additional Oral Hygiene Care
Your lifestyle habits, such as the use of tobacco products and diet, can also impact your oral health. Smoking, for example, puts you at greater risk of oral cancer and gum disease. A poor diet of processed or high-sugar foods and drinks poses a greater risk of decay, which can destroy your teeth. Changing these habits can protect your teeth and preserve the beauty of your smile.
By consistently practicing good oral hygiene, you do your part to promote healthy, attractive teeth. At Family Dentistry of Walnut Creek, we can help you develop a personalized oral hygiene regimen to suit your dental care needs. To schedule an appointment for oral care, contact Dr. Troy Schmedding today at (925) 956-4266.
