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Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Good oral health can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It can also help improve your overall health. This blog shares some best practices for maintaining oral hygiene.

• Brush and Floss Regularly 

You don’t have to floss all your teeth—only the ones you want to keep! Brushing and flossing are the best ways to remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth. If it’s not removed on a regular basis, it can harden into tartar, which is impossible to remove at home without a dentist’s help. So, brush at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, floss your teeth at least once a day.

• Schedule Regular Checkups

The American Dental Association recommends scheduling regular visits for a cleaning and checkup every six months. These visits are an important part of your oral health because they allow our dentist to catch any problems in their early stages before your smile is compromised. Plus, they can clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can at home to keep plaque and bacteria at bay. As an added benefit, these appointments also give our team the opportunity to get to know you so that we can better understand your needs and your goals for your smile. We can then create a personalized treatment plan that is designed to help you reach those goals.

• Avoid Bad Habits

Smoking and tobacco use are the leading causes of preventable disease and death in the United States. Smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, and other issues. If you smoke or use tobacco products, your dentist can help you quit by recommending behavioral counseling techniques such as nicotine replacement therapies like patches, gums, or lozenges. Your dentist can also recommend prescription medicines that can help you break down your addiction to nicotine. If you use tobacco products, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions about how tobacco use affects your oral health!

• Eat Well

Getting adequate nutrition is key to having a healthy smile. A variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, protein-rich meats, dairy, and whole grains, help provide teeth with the proper nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. Be sure to avoid sugary snacks and beverages that can harm your teeth and cause tooth decay or cavities. Water can be a great choice for rinsing your mouth after eating to help remove food particles from your smile.

The dentist at Dental Specialists of North Florida can help you keep your teeth healthy. We have two dental offices in Florida. Contact us from your nearest location or visit our website to book an appointment.