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Having good oral hygiene is important, but to get it, you’ll have to do more than just brush your teeth. There are many steps you need to follow regularly. This should include visiting your family dentist at least twice a year for checkups and to ensure that your oral health is on the right track. Other important steps you can take are listed in the guide below. 

A Helpful Guide to Good Oral Hygiene

Use Fluoride Toothpaste & Mouthwash

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is often added to drinking water to reduce tooth decay. It is also commonly found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. When you drink tap water containing fluoride or brush your teeth with this mineral, it hardens the enamel on your teeth. This is important as the foods and drinks you consume create acids that cause demineralization of the calcium and phosphorus on your enamel. If too much is washed away, it will lead to tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride is especially important for young children because it concentrates in their developing teeth and helps them to grow strong before emerging.  

Brush & Floss Every Day

oral hygieneBrushing your teeth at least twice a day helps remove plaque buildup, which forms destructive acids when combined with sugar. As previously mentioned, this causes tooth decay, and if this condition progresses, you could also develop gum disease and lose teeth.

Also, don’t forget to floss at least once a day. Brushing alone doesn’t remove the small particles of food that linger between the tight gaps between your teeth — the most common places for tooth decay to begin.

Don’t Smoke

There are many reasons not to smoke, but if you are concerned about your oral hygiene, then it is strongly recommended that you give up the bad habit. Among other issues, smoking increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer, and it can cause permanent tooth discoloration that cannot be corrected with teeth whitening.

 

For more ways you can improve your oral hygiene, contact Bethel Family Dentistry in Bethel, OH, today. Dr. Minarchek and his staff are dedicated to helping patients improve their dental health. To schedule an appointment at this dentist office, call (513) 734-2020. You can also visit their website to learn more about their dental care services.

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