Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Keeping your teeth, tongue, gums, and mouth healthy takes good oral hygiene habits, but not everyone has developed these habits over the years. While most people start brushing while they’re young, some don’t continue the habit or never properly learned. But it’s never too late to improve your oral hygiene. Here are a few tips that will keep your mouth healthy.

Brush Properly

You don’t need to forcibly scrub your teeth and gums every time you brush. In fact, doing so will only irritate your gums. Instead, you need to brush in the correct way. Angle the bristles of your toothbrush in towards the gums at a 45-degree angle. Brush with only as much force as you need to keep the bristles in contact with the gums and teeth as you move the brush back and forth and up and down. You should brush at least two times a day. Most people do so when they get up in the morning and before they go to bed.

Don’t Forget Your Tongue and Other Parts of the Mouth

Your teeth and gums are only two of the things you need to clean. You should also brush your tongue and even the roof and sides of your mouth. This will help remove bacteria and other debris that can cause a number of health issues and bad breath.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing is also important. While brushing and using mouth wash can get rid of many of the bits of food trapped within teeth, some of that debris is fairly resilient. It takes flossing between the teeth to get those bits of residue out. Flossing at least once a day will help keep these bits of food out of your teeth.

Limit the Coffee, Alcohol, and Soda

These beverages may be tasty, but they can also damage the enamel on your teeth, make gum disease worse, and cause other health issues. Limit your intake of these beverages and replace them with water.

Don’t Skip on the Six-Month Cleanings

It’s also important that you come visit Dr. James R Anderson, DDS, every six months for your regular cleaning and checkup. This is a chance for Dr. Anderson and his team to catch any major oral health problems that are developing. If you haven’t already, contact our office today to set up an appointment for your next visit.