It is no secret that oral hygiene is a key component of good dental health. Most of us have heard this message since childhood. However, many people either don’t practice regular oral hygiene or don’t have good technique. Keeping your mouth clean and free of disease will improve your overall health.
To have good oral hygiene, you must brush and floss well in addition to visiting a dentist regularly. Our team of dental professionals welcomes you to Carolina Dental Arts, where we focus on educating our patients about oral health and how they can maintain a healthy smile.
What is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is a daily activity to keep your mouth free from infections and as clean as it can be. It is a practice that ensures your teeth, gums, and tongue don’t develop a buildup of particles that lead to bacterial infections. Proper oral health involves brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning, rinsing, and regular dentist visits.
Besides your at-home practice, good oral health also requires that you have regular dental cleanings and exams that include X-rays. Both you and your dental team are responsible for ensuring that you can enjoy the best oral health possible.
Why Must I Learn to Practice Good Oral Hygiene?
One of the best things you can do for your health is to learn good oral hygiene habits. It is the best preventative measure against dental and systemic diseases. By practicing good oral hygiene habits daily, you can prevent health issues such as halitosis (bad breath), gum disease, cavities, and many other health conditions.
Most people don’t know that poor oral health produces disease throughout the entire body. For instance, an oral infection can get into your bloodstream and spread bacteria to other body systems. Health conditions such as stroke and heart disease have been scientifically related to oral health. Thus, by practicing good dental habits, you are increasing your chances of having a long and healthy life.
What Health Conditions are Related to Poor Oral Health?
According to research, oral issues such as periodontitis and gingivitis have been shown to impact the body with the following diseases:
- Pneumonia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Endocarditis
- Stroke
- Premature birth and low birth weight
- Other health conditions
Some diseases affect your teeth and gums negatively such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
People who have these diseases must speak to their dentist to receive a dental care plan that supports and promotes overall health by practicing good dental habits.
How to Detect Poor Oral Hygiene
Several symptoms point to you having dental health issues. These are the most typical signs that you may be experiencing poor oral hygiene:
- Bad breath that becomes chronic
- Gums that bleed
- Visible and non-visible tooth decay
- Teeth that feel loose
- Visible gum recession
- Recurring mouth sores
- Tooth pain
- Swollen jaw
- Mouth infections
How to Improve Your Oral Hygiene
To have a healthy and beautiful smile, you must learn to have excellent oral hygiene habits. The following are some instructions you can follow to ensure good oral health:
Brush Teeth Daily
Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice daily or every time after a meal. It is best to use toothpaste that has been enhanced with fluoride. When brushing, it is important to use a brush that has soft bristles. Tough bristles can potentially damage your tooth enamel and gums.
When brushing, be sure to angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees pointing towards your gums. This method allows plaque to be swept away along with the bacteria that reside at the gum line. All surfaces of your teeth must be brushed including the sides and the back.
Don’t Forget to Floss and Rinse
Additionally, you must floss once per day to remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth. Proper flossing also ensures that any buildup of particles is swiped away from the base of the tooth at the gum line. Brushing alone simply does not remove these hard-to-reach areas. An oral irrigator is also a great addition to brushing and flossing.
To use floss properly, start by using a piece that is approximately 18 inches in length. Take each end of the floss and wrap it around your middle fingers. With the help of your forefingers and thumbs, glide the floss through your teeth, one at a time. When gliding the floss through your teeth, be sure to glide closely to the tooth in a C shape for approximately 10 vertical strokes.
It’s important to clean your tongue because it can hold bacteria. You may use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush. Finishing with mouthwash is a great way to get rid of any other bacteria that is left behind.
Have Regular Dental Appointments
Taking care of your oral health is a team effort. Schedule routine dental exams to detect and treat any problems early. At Carolina Dental Arts we do a comprehensive exam that includes x-rays to detect any issues you may be experiencing. We do preventive care such as deep cleanings to lessen your risks of experiencing cavities and gum disease. Our philosophy is to be consistent with preventative care to minimize the need for other procedures.
Consider Quitting Smoking
Cigarettes can greatly impact both the appearance and condition of your mouth and teeth. Not to mention the risk of one day having oral cancer. There are now many options available that help people quit smoking. Most people that quit say that it is one of the best decisions of their lives.
Benefits of Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
The following are only some of the many benefits you can experience by practicing good oral hygiene daily:
- Fresh and clean breath
- A gorgeous smile
- Decreased risk for diseases
- Healthy mouth, teeth, and gums
- Save money on dental procedures
Although each patient is unique, there is no doubt that those that practice good oral hygiene significantly improve the quality of their lives.
Schedule an Exam With Carolina Dental Arts
At Carolina Dental Arts in Raleigh, we guide each patient using a holistic approach. We focus on preventative care and patient education to achieve the best long-term results. In addition to finding our dental clinics in Raleigh, we also serve New Bern Ave, Goldsboro, Durham, and surrounding areas.
Call Carolina Dental Arts today and feel the relief of having excellent oral health!