Healthy Habits for Good Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is very important for good health as well as good looks. Caring for the mouth and teeth should be part of a daily routine to keep this part of the body in good working order. A few minutes each day with minimal expense can lead to beautiful teeth and gums.

At Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, good oral hygiene is our top priority. We encourage all of our patients to maintain healthy oral habits to keep their smiles white and healthy – before, during and after orthodontic treatment. Here are some great healthy habits for the whole family. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Runnels, contact Runnels Orthodontics today.

Importance of oral hygiene

Caring for your teeth and gums keeps them in good working order. Without being brushed, teeth can develop decay, or cavities that will eventually weaken them so they need fillings or fall out. Tooth loss leads to the need for more extensive repair work, so it is much easier and cheaper to take care of them before problems escalate.

Brush after each meal

You may have heard this advice for years, but many people do not follow it. Brushing after eating or drinking flavored fluids helps to remove particles or sticky residue that can cause cavities. Eating out or packing a lunch for work does not make it easy to brush the teeth afterward, but there are compact toothbrushes that can be packed into a handbag or pocket for ease of use. If brushing isn’t possible, then rinsing the mouth with water after eating will help to some degree.

Floss at least once daily

Usually it is best to floss at night to remove a day’s accumulation of dental debris. Be sure to work the floss between all the teeth and the back sides of those in the back of the mouth. Flossing gets rid of bacteria that, if left in the mouth, will lead to decay and gum inflammation, or periodontal disease, accelerating tooth loss.

Rinse with mouthwash

Rinse at least once a day, perhaps following flossing, to remove particles and residue. If the mouthwash is too stringent you can mix with water to dilute it, and if you don’t rinse every day, then try for two or three times a week.

Consider a whitening treatment

If your teeth are yellowish or dingy, you may want to get an at-home whitening kit. We offer teeth whitening treatments in our office to help you get that bright white smile. Brightened teeth contribute to a youthful, attractive appearance, especially for teeth that are discolored from antibiotic use, illness, or smoking.

A few basic steps like these will not only keep your teeth and gums healthy and give you a comfortable mouth, but also help you look your best and instill confidence. Try it!