5 Steps for Improving At-Home Oral Hygiene

Regular dental checkups are imperative when it comes to good oral health; however, at the Wellesley, MA dental practice of MuradPadamsee, BDS, DMD, MS, we also believe strongly in patient education and oral disease prevention. In between your routine dental visits, there are some things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Check out these five oral hygiene tips:

Brush Properly

One of the best ways to keep your mouth in good shape is by brushing regularly — at least twice daily. Although brushing your teeth is pretty simple, there’s a right way to do it. According to the American Dental Association, here’s how to brush:

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use short horizontal strokes to brush teeth. Make sure to get not only the front of your teeth, but also the back as well. Use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste when brushing and finish up by brushing your tongue gently as well to remove bacteria.

Floss Daily

Our Wellesley, MA, dental practice also advocates daily flossing to remove stubborn plaque and bacteria-causing food particles from in between teeth. Many people don’t floss as often as they should; this is sometimes because flossing causes mouth tenderness and bleeding gums. These are both symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease — all the more reason to floss every day.

Flossing is an easy way to keep your mouth healthy. Wrap an 18- to 24-inch piece of floss around your index and middle fingers and use it to get in between the teeth. The flossing motion should be horizontal, then vertical, to remove plaque and particles from between the teeth and under the gumline.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water isn’t just good for your body, but your oral health as well. If you have chronic dry mouth, bacteria can build up and lead to plaque and gingivitis. The general rule for water consumption is 8 glasses per day; however, your needs may be more or less depending on your activity level, age, and body type. Keeping your mouth hydrated with sugarless gum is a good way to freshen breath and keep bacteria at bay between meals.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Cleaning your teeth is just one part of the equation; what you eat can also make a difference in your oral health. Sweet treats aren’t the only culprits when it comes to tooth decay — eating carbohydrate-laden foods like bread and pasta can also lead to bacteria buildup that leads to plaque, gingivitis, and gum disease. Brush and floss after eating, and try to choose healthy food items like crunchy vegetables to keep teeth in tip-top shape.

Don’t Use Tobacco

Smoking and using snuff and/or chewing tobacco can have a negative impact on your oral health. Not only do tobacco users have a higher incidence of gum disease and tooth decay, they also suffer from chronic bad breath. Tobacco use discolors teeth, and can lead to oral cancer among other health problems. If you use tobacco and need help quitting, speak to your doctor.

Schedule Your Checkup Today

When you come in for your routine checkup at our modern Wellesley, MA, dental office, Dr. Padamsee and his experienced staff will educate you further on how to properly care for your teeth and gums at home. Give us a call to schedule your appointment or reach out through our website. We look forward to caring for your smile!