Oral Health and Hygiene to Prevent Tooth Decay

Oral Health and Dental Hygiene Are Essential To Prevent Tooth Decay

Dental hygiene is an important part of taking care of your oral health. Making sure that your teeth and gums are healthy and in great condition can contribute to the health of the rest of your body. The importance of oral hygiene should be instilled in children when they start growing teeth so that these habits will continue into adulthood. Keeping the teeth, gums, and tongue clean can prevent bad breath and reduce the amount of plaque that settles on the teeth. Clean gums are also necessary to prevent bleeding gums, which could be a sign of other serious conditions. Cleaning the teeth regularly can also ensure the teeth do not rot; brushing at least twice a day can prevent cavities as well. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your smile healthy and bright.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Using toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride can prevent the teeth from decaying. Fluoride protects the teeth enamel and keeps the gums healthy. Avoiding foods and beverages that are high in sugar can prevent tooth decay as well. If you indulge in sweet treats every once in a while, flossing and brushing after eating can reduce the decaying effects that sugar has on the teeth and gums.

It is very important to brush the tongue as well. The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria as well and if it is not properly cleaned, this could lead to tooth decay. If you start to notice pain in the gums, tongue, or teeth, be sure to tell your dentist right away. The pain could be a sign of potential tooth decay or gum disease and should be addressed immediately.

Oral Hygiene Routine

It is important to care for your oral health every day. Be sure to brush your teeth every morning and evening. It is also a good idea to brush your teeth after eating, particularly sweet foods, or foods that can easily be stuck in your teeth, like popcorn or corn on the cob.

Flossing is important; therefore floss before brushing your teeth is a great way to get food particles and plaque off the teeth. The flossing process removes these potential impurities from the teeth in a way that is more effective than simply brushing. Water picks or flossing instruments that is designed to get in between each tooth effectively so that food and other substances will not settle on the teeth and gums and leads to decay.

Going to the dentist at least every six months is also necessary for maintaining oral health. During the appointment, the dentist will deep clean the teeth and take x-rays to determine whether oral surgery or orthodontic tools or procedures are necessary.

Oral Health and General Health

There are clear connections between your oral health and the overall health of your body. When your gums are swollen and you have tooth pain or overcrowded teeth, you may also find that you suffer from conditions like sinus infections and migraines more frequently.

If there is something going wrong with your teeth, gums, or mouth, this could also be an indication that you are having health issues in other parts of the body. Mouth sores could be a sign of an infection, and legions in the mouth could be a sign of Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or even the early stages of HIV. This is why it is important to get dental exams regularly. Your dentist will be able to keep you informed on the state of your health

Get in touch with Maiden Lane Dental today to make an appointment. Use our online contact form to fill out your information, and someone from our team will get back to you. During your appointment, you will get all the details you need to maintain your oral health and to prevent certain dental diseases and conditions. Contact us today for further information. We are located in the Financial District in lower Manhattan, NYC and would love to have you join our very long list of happy patients.