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Dental hygiene is critical to maintaining good oral health. While it’s true that a dentist takes care of a multitude of oral issues, from cavities to gum disease, why let it come to that? Any good dentist emphasizes the importance of dental hygiene.

If you want to take better care of your teeth and mouth, start by minding your oral habits. In this article, we’ll talk about the things you can do to take care of your dental hygiene at home.

Brush After Every Meal and Before Going to Bed

Plaque starts to build up as soon as you brush your teeth. It is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that if left undisturbed, can weaken enamel and cause cavities. When you eat, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which are what damage teeth. You can reduce this risk by brushing after every meal, preferably with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride aids in remineralization, which prevents tooth decay.

In addition to brushing after every meal, brush your teeth before you go to bed. Saliva, which has antibacterial properties and neutralizes acids in the mouth, slows production while you sleep. This leaves your teeth vulnerable to damage, especially if there is food and drink remnants that remain in your mouth.

Learn Proper Brushing Technique

Proper brushing technique ensures more effective cleaning of the teeth and mouth. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to begin. Dentists usually recommend using gentle, circular back and forth motions for a proper clean. Do not neglect to brush the tongue, as bacteria tend to collect there. Additionally, brushing should take at least two minutes. A shorter duration may not be as effective.

Floss at Least Once a Day

A lot of people think if they brush daily they don’t need to floss, or they only need to floss if they feel food particles stuck between their teeth. However, flossing daily is important as it performs a different function. Floss goes between the teeth, which toothbrush bristles cannot pass through. Moreover, you don’t always feel food particles between teeth. Flossing ensures that food does not linger in between teeth, ripe for causing damage when combined with plaque. To floss properly, slide the floss in between the teeth and move it up and down to dislodge food particles. For better dental hygiene, floss before brushing and after every meal.

If you have any questions about dental hygiene, the best resource is your dentist. Regular visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and oral exam are important for a healthy mouth and teeth.

Dentist in Plantation, Florida

Dr. Ernie Soto can help you with having better oral health and looking and feeling beautiful. It cannot be denied the state of your teeth and mouth is a signifier of the state of your health. When you talk and smile, you want to feel confident and attractive, and you want everyone to see that you have good oral health.

Dr. Soto and our dental team can help you with that. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (954) 368-6264 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to providing you with high-quality and affordable dental care services.