Good health begins with good teeth. Tooth decay, infection and gum disease can lead to a variety of ailments and just generally ‘feeling bad.’ Here is a list of do’s and don’ts for keeping your oral hygiene the best it can be.
Do’s
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning. Have your children evaluated by an orthodontist. Many orthodontic problems can be more easily corrected before tooth and facial growth is complete.
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth once a day.
- Eat a balanced diet, limit between meal snacks and eliminate sugary foods.
- Clean your tongue when your brush your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth and teeth hydrated.
Don’ts
- Don’t forget to clean behind your back teeth.
- Don’t scrub your teeth and gums when brushing, be gentle! Scrubbing your teeth and gums can cause irreversible damage.
- Don’t rely on mouthwash alone too keep your teeth and gums clean and your breath fresh. Practice complete oral hygiene.
- Don’t ignore your gums – otherwise you can lose your teeth as well as have bad breath.
- Don’t smoke.
- For those wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances, keeping teeth and gums clean may be a bit more difficult, but the resulting smile will be worth the effort.
Shiny clean teeth and fresh breath are good reasons for practicing good oral hygiene, but the most important reason is that keeping your gums and teeth clean and healthy will help you keep your teeth throughout your life. Although some diseases and conditions can make dental disease and tooth loss more likely, most of us have a great deal of control over whether we keep our teeth into old age. Wouldn’t you rather be chewing with your own natural teeth?
