What your dentist in Longwood wants you to know about the importance of good oral hygiene
Did you know that if your mouth is healthy, it helps the rest of your body stay healthy too? It’s true. In fact, an unhealthy mouth can put you at higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease. So, how do you keep your mouth healthy? Dr. Ilya Freyman in Longwood, FL, wants to share the facts about how you can keep good oral hygiene habits.
Good oral hygiene habits can save your smile. When you practice good oral hygiene habits, you are eliminating the plaque clinging to your teeth. Why is this important? It’s important because plaque contains millions of harmful bacteria which produce toxins. These toxins can:
- Destroy your teeth, causing cavities
- Infect your gums, causing gum disease
- Reduce your supporting bone, causing periodontal disease
The truth is when you keep good oral hygiene habits you are saving your smile. A good oral hygiene routine doesn’t have to take a big chunk of your time. It only takes a few minutes. Just remember to:
Brush after meals and before bed using a soft-bristled toothbrush or sonic or electric toothbrush. Medium or hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage your gums and teeth over time. Always use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your tooth enamel. Brush in a gentle, circular motion over all surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline.
Floss every day, wrapping the floss around the widest part of each tooth as you go down in between your teeth. This wrapping technique keeps the floss from sliding off of the tooth surface. If you have dexterity issues or arthritis, floss picks or holders can be helpful.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least once each year for a complete dental exam and x-rays, so your dentist can check for decay and other dental issues. Early treatment of dental problems can prevent abscesses, infections, and tooth loss.
You should also schedule professional dental cleanings once every six months to remove hard deposits which can’t be removed with brushing and flossing. Your dental professional can also show you the newest tools and techniques you can use at home to keep your smile healthy.
If your oral hygiene habits aren’t what they should be, it’s time to get started taking care of your smile. To learn more about oral hygiene and other dental topics, call Dr. Freyman in Longwood, FL, today!