A healthy mouth translates to a happy, healthy smile that you will want to show off. But how can you go about achieving a healthy mouth and a lovely smile? It is all about consistency and routine. Keep reading for a few oral hygiene tips that are sure to help.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist on a regular basis, at least once or twice a year, will ensure that any oral health issues are caught early and treated right away before complications can occur. Regular professional dental cleanings will ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy, and your dentist can even recommend professional whitening treatments to really make your smile shine. On top of that, you can have your teeth straightened with the help of a professional like Dr. Shellnick, a Walnut Creek Orthodontist.
Do Not Wait Until You Feel Pain in Your Mouth
Be aware that the majority of dental problems do not cause any pain at first. Cavities, for example, are painless until they end up becoming deep. Gum disease is another silent ailment. This is why it is so important to follow the first tip above, which is to see your dentist regularly. You should never wait until you are in a lot of pain either, so if you do feel any discomfort that lasts, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to get your mouth checked. Pain would indicate that you likely already have a bacterial infection, so you definitely don’t want to wait to get the right treatment.
Keep an Eye on Your Gums
In addition to focusing on the cleanliness and health of your teeth, you should also pay plenty of attention to your gums. Inspect them whenever you brush your teeth to ensure that they are not red, inflamed, or bleeding. There should not be any pockets of infection, and you should be able to brush and floss painlessly. In the event that you do have gingivitis, or gum disease, you should get it treated right away by your dentist because, left untreated, it could lead to other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
Flossing Is a Must
Speaking of flossing, it is a necessary activity that you must perform every day in addition to brushing every tooth. You need to clean in between your teeth, as this is where the tooth surfaces touch and where bacteria can hide and thrive. Brushing will get about half of the bacteria and debris out of your mouth, while flossing will complete the job. So whether you use a manual or an electric toothbrush, and whether you decide to use traditional string as your flossing tool or you want to go with a water flosser, make sure you incorporate this step into your daily routine.
Understanding the strategies that should be implemented to maintain oral health will ensure that you always have a healthy, clean mouth, strong gums, and brilliantly white teeth that will produce a beautiful smile.
