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Did you know that maintaining good oral hygiene can positively affect your overall health? Also called dental hygiene, it includes taking care of your teeth and gums. When you maintain it properly, you can keep your gums healthy and teeth strong. Oral hygiene even helps in freshening up your breath. 

Let’s discuss proper oral hygiene to start your days with.

Instructions For Good Oral Hygiene

To practice good oral hygiene, you need to follow the following instructions:

1. Brush your teeth for two to three minutes twice a day to eliminate food and plaque from the teeth. Food and plaque are the sole reasons for dental problems like tooth decay or gum diseases.
2. Use a manual or electric toothbrush to brush your teeth. Also, always brush in a circular motion instead of going back and forth.
3. Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste as it helps in eliminating decay from the teeth.
4. Avoid rinsing your mouth with water immediately after brushing your teeth. It is because it removes the protective layer of fluoride. You can spit the excess toothpaste instead.
5. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when you notice that your toothbrush has become splayed, worn-looking, or has missing bristles. It is arduous to clean your mouth properly with such types of toothbrushes.
6. Along with brushing, flossing your teeth once a day is essential. It reaches and cleans the area between the teeth that is difficult to clean with a standard brush. It can reduce gum diseases and bad breath and even eliminate plaque formed across the gumline.
7. Always rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash or chew sugar-free gums after meals or snacks if it is impossible to brush your teeth.

How can good oral hygiene benefit us?

• Prevent oral diseases

Taking good care of your oral health can stave off many serious dental problems. This includes tooth decay and gum disease. 

• Prevent bad breath

Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath. Patients with carious teeth have a higher risk of gum disease, which can also cause halitosis. 

• Prevent gingivitis

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help prevent gingivitis. You may also need to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning procedure. Our dentist may recommend sealants or fluoride treatments to protect your teeth from cavities.

Gingivitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the gums. It can also lead to swelling, bleeding, and redness. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss.

• Prevent periodontitis

The bacteria that cause gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body. This can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, which can contribute to heart disease. Another complication of gum disease is pre-term birth or low birth weight in infants.

• Improve confidence and quality of life

One of the primary benefits of good oral hygiene is improved confidence. When you look good, you feel good. And, with a bright, white smile, you’ll experience a boost in confidence.

Not only that, but good oral hygiene can also improve the way you speak. Many patients who suffer from issues such as lisps, stuttering, or mispronunciations find that good oral hygiene can help resolve these issues.

If you have any doubts about how to maintain good oral hygiene, Ami Desai, D.D.S., is here to help. For scheduling your appointments, please call (408) 946-0777 or visit our office at 440 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035. For more information, please contact us at frontdeskdrdesai@gmail.com.