WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RULE OF ORAL HYGIENE?
Do you ever wonder what the best practices are for maintaining optimal oral health? With all the tempting, tasty foods on supermarket shelves, some of our favorite snacks can take a toll on our teeth. Maintaining good dental hygiene practices can save you a lot of time and money, so we want to share with you the golden rule that will keep your teeth in their ideal condition.
The golden rule of oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, maintaining a healthy diet, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening before bed – using fluoride toothpaste and a gentle circular motion for at least two minutes. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to preserve the health of your delicate gums.
A disciplined dental hygiene routine can prevent plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, and even tooth loss/decay. Many useful products are available, and if you don’t like using a manual toothbrush, you can try an electric toothbrush.
2. Floss Daily
It is important to clean between your teeth to remove bits of food particles or bacteria that may have collected throughout the day. Daily flossing helps adults and children maintain excellent oral health.
Nowadays, various products are available to assist with flossing, including dental floss, water flossers, and interdental brushes. Your dentist would be happy to demonstrate the most effective flossing technique.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
We know there are many delicious treats out there, but what we ingest can undoubtedly impact our dental health. Because food and beverages that contain high amounts of sugar can increase our risk of developing cavities that lead to tooth decay, reducing sugar intake to 24 grams or less per day can decrease the risk and keep our teeth in good health. Many healthy foods and drinks are available to help you maintain a diet that promotes overall wellness.
4. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Check-ups
Routine visits to your Naples dentist not only provide you with a deep cleaning and x-rays to assess your current dental health, but they also can catch any signs of dental disease early and treat them before they progress. The recommended frequency of visits is at least twice a year, and getting to know your dentist can improve the quality of care they can provide.