Jan
There’s a strong relationship between good dental health and hygiene. If you’re diligent with oral care, you increase your chances of keeping your teeth for life. People who value their smiles will do their part to keep their pearly whites healthy and bright. With routine dental examinations and cleanings, Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos of All Coast Dental in San Diego, California, can support your oral hygiene regimen. Together, we can keep you smiling confidently for years to come.
Oral hygiene refers to oral care practices you’ve developed to keep your mouth clean and healthy, such as daily brushing, flossing, and biannual dental cleanings. Through good oral care habits, you can control plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Plaque and tartar cause most of our patients’ problems with decay and gum disease.
Although your San Diego dentists, Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos can treat cavities and gum disease, these problems can often be prevented through good oral hygiene. The following oral care habits are worth developing to keep your pearly whites in great shape over the long haul:
Make it a habit to brush at least twice daily using a soft bristle manual or electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once daily, preferably at the end of the day before bedtime. Flossing removes food particles between your teeth to minimize plaque in the areas where brushing misses. Rinse your mouth with water after meals to flush out food from your teeth. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing will help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Use a fluoride mouthwash at least once daily to kill bacteria that can cause cavities. Wait a while after brushing and flossing to use your mouthwash so that it doesn’t wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste. It’s also good to wait a half hour or so to eat after gargling with fluoride mouthwash to give the mouthwash time to take effect.
Your dietary habits will play a big role in your dental health. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals will promote good tooth and gum health. Try to limit your intake or avoid sugar-filled and acidic foods and drinks as they increase your risk of cavities. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean.
Shun lifestyle habits that are detrimental to your oral health, like smoking, chewing on ice, nail-biting, getting oral piercings that can damage oral tissues, and using your teeth like tools.
See Drs. Julie or Joseph Boulos regularly for checkups and cleanings. Biannual dental visits can keep dental problems in check so you can enjoy optimal dental health well into the future.
For preventive dental services to keep your smile at its best, contact Dr. Julie or Dr. Joseph Boulos from All Coast Dental in San Diego, CA, at (858) 264-3002.