5 Steps to a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine

Taking care of your oral health should be a daily priority. We’ve compiled a few techniques you can add to your daily routine to keep bacteria at bay and prevent diseases from formulating.

Step 1: Brush your teeth more than once a day.

A good rule of thumb to follow is to brush after every meal or at least once in the morning and then again before going to bed. Be sure to use a brush with soft bristles to spare your gums from inflammation and swelling. Using a toothpaste with fluoride helps harden tooth enamel, which reduces your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Step 2: Be thorough.

Your entire tooth-brushing process should last between 2-3 minutes, followed by a flossing session that consists of a slow, gentle saw-like motion. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to get rid of bacteria that resides there and that is a major cause of bad breath.

Step 3: Limit your intake of acidic and sugary drinks.

The sugar in foods and drinks turn the bacteria in dental plaque into acid, also resulting in cavities. Acid dissolves tooth enamel and causes the holes in our teeth we know as cavities.

Step 4: Only use your teeth for chewing.

Teeth are not tools. If you attempt to crack nuts, open packaging, or remove bottle caps, you run the risk of chipping or even breaking your teeth. Your teeth should only be used for what they were made for, eating!

Step 5: Visit your dentist regularly.

No matter what your oral hygiene routine is, visiting a dentist on a regular basis should be high on your list. Routine visits could help your dentist determine whether or not you require special attention to certain teeth or conditions.

At Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental, we are dedicated to ensuring that you feel confident when it comes to your oral health. Give us a call at (210) 877-2273and schedule your appointment with us today.