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Good oral hygiene is important for our overall health, not just our teeth. Developing good habits around oral hygiene helps us form lifelong habits that keep us healthy. Here are some reasons why good oral hygiene is important.

• It prevents tooth decay:It’s more difficult to keep teeth white and cavity-free than it is to develop them. Practicing good oral hygiene means that you are preventing tooth decay and cavities.
• It prevents gum disease: Gum disease, or periodontitis, occurs when bacteria build up below the gum line. It leads to gum recession, tooth loss, and bone loss. Practicing good oral hygiene prevents gum disease.
• It prevents bad breath:The bacteria that cause gum disease also cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene can reduce or prevent the occurrence of bad breath.
• It prevents infection:Bacteria in the mouth can cause infections and diseases in the body. Good oral hygiene habits keep bacteria in the mouth at bay.

Good oral hygiene practices 

• Brush your teeth the right way

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste as the fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth.

• Floss your teeth the right way

Do you floss your teeth every day? Did you know that only 45% of Americans floss their teeth? Even fewer adults floss their teeth the right way. Daily flossing is essential for healthy teeth and gums.

To floss your teeth the right way, you’ll need to:

• Use 15 inches of floss.
• Wrap the floss around both of your middle fingers.
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
• Use a gentle sawing motion as you floss between each tooth.

• Use mouthwash 

The American Dental Association recommends rinsing your mouthwash for at least 30 seconds.

• Visit your dentist regularly

Your dentist is one of your most valuable resources when it comes to maintaining your oral health. They’ll be able to help you identify problems early, thereby allowing you to address them before they worsen. You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup and even more if your dentist recommends more frequent visits. 

• Skip the snacks between meals

Snacking between meals is not only unhealthy, but it can also lead to tooth decay. When we eat a snack, we leave behind residual particles of food and plaque. Brushing does not clean these particles, so bacterial acids are left to eat away at your teeth. Snacking between meals may also damage your enamel. When you eat something that is high in acid content, your enamel is weakened. This weakens your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities and decay.

We, the team of efficient dentists at Courtyard Dental, are excited to take care of your oral health. Visit us at 2410 San Ramon Valley Blvd Ste 148, San Ramon, CA 94583. Call us at (925) 855-1604 for an appointment.