Best Oral Care Habits To Have A Healthy Smile

Good oral health means having healthy teeth and gums. Having good oral health means having teeth that are clean, strong, and white. Efforts to achieve good oral health start at home, so it’s important to follow good at-home oral care habits. Here is a list of best oral care practices to have healthy smile.

• Brushing your teeth regularly

Brushing your teeth can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, as well as give you a clean, fresh feeling.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. For optimal health, brush your teeth after you eat breakfast and before you go to bed. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste with fluoride in it. Brush your teeth in small circles, back and forth, and up & down. Brushing for at least two minutes will help you get better results. Be sure to brush your back teeth, too. Your back teeth are especially susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

• Flossing daily

Brushing your teeth is important. But so is flossing. Brushing only cleans about 60-70% of your tooth surfaces. The other 30-40% of your tooth surfaces are hidden. When you skip flossing, you miss cleaning those surfaces. This can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease.

• Rinsing your mouth with water after meals

The bacteria in our mouths love to feed on the food particles left behind in our mouths after eating. They produce acid that destroys the tooth enamel and makes cavities. When we rinse our mouths with water after eating, we prevent the bacteria from producing acid.

• Rinsing your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash before bed helps wash away any leftover bacteria that may lead to tooth decay. You may also want to rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugary or acidic foods to help remove food particles from your mouth.

• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings

The mouth is the gateway to the body, which means your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health. Regular cleanings and exams allow our dentist to monitor your oral health, identify any potential problems, diagnose early signs of gum disease, and catch cavities early.

• Avoiding teeth grinding and clenching

Grinding and clenching can happen when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Fortunately, the solution is quite simple: wear a custom nightguard. A nightguard is a thin, hard oral appliance that fits over your teeth to protect them from grinding. The nightguard completely covers your upper or lower teeth, so you don’t have to worry about your jaw clenching or teeth grinding while you sleep.

• Avoiding tobacco products

Always avoid tobacco products. Not only are they bad for your overall health, but they also dull the natural color of your teeth and gums. Tobacco products contain chemicals, such as tar and nicotine, that cause yellow and brown stains. Even nicotine-free tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, can stain your teeth. In addition to discoloration, tobacco also causes gingivitis and oral cancer. If you currently use tobacco products, consult with your dentist to discuss available options for quitting.

Schedule a consultation with our team by calling the Las Vegas Dental office at (702) 248-4448 or Henderson dental office at (702) 485-4777 to learn more about our dental services. We would be happy to help.