Oral Hygiene Is Important

By Craig A. Smith, DDS

A mouth that looks and smells healthy is usually the result of good oral hygiene. A healthy mouth has teeth that are clean and free of debris, gums that are pink and that do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss. In a healthy mouth, bad breath is not a constant problem.
It is important that you visit your dentist if your gums bleed or hurt when you are brushing or flossing, or if you experience persistent bad breath. These conditions may indicate a problem.
It is important to visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist or hygienist can teach you good oral hygiene techniques and point out areas of your mouth that may require additional attention while you are brushing or flossing.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth are important for aesthetic reasons to make you look and feel good, and they are also important and make it possible for you to eat and speak correctly. Good oral health is important to your health as a whole.
Brushing and flossing is considered daily preventive care, and will help stop problems before they develop. Treating conditions that have been allowed to progress is much more painful, expensive and worrisome.
It is recommended that you visit the dentists at least twice a year. In between your regular dental visits there are steps that you can take to decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
In between dental visits it is important to
Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss after each and every meal
Use a soft bristle tooth brush and un-waxed floss
Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist tells you to
Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
Make sure that your children, if they are under the age of 12, drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if your water supply is not fluoridated
Proper oral hygiene techniques and regular visits to your dentist are extremely important to your overall health. Make sure to take the time to care for your teeth and gums and visit your dentist regularly.