Los Gatos Dentist HABITS INVOLVED IN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

It is often said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. When it comes to dental health, this can be translated to mean that oral hygiene habits keep the dentist away. Of course, even with seemingly healthy teeth, it is still necessary to see the dentist so as to obtain a thorough dental check-up. Oral hygiene is the process used in keeping one's mouth, teeth and gums clean so as to avoid dental problems such as cavities, gingivitis, and gum diseases . If you maintain good oral hygiene, your teeth are clean from debris and plaque, and your gums do not bleed when brushing and flossing. It is said that healthy gums are often pink in color. Maintenance of good oral hygiene translates to fresh breath and painless visits to the dentist.

A number of processes are involved in oral hygiene. An example of these is tooth cleaning. Tooth cleaning, may be carried out either at home or in the dentist's office.

It is common knowledge that daily home cleaning of the teeth involves regular and correct rinsing, brushing and flossing of the teeth. To prevent the accumulation of plaque on your teeth and the forming of tartar, you have to brush your teeth two or three times a day. The proper manner to do this is by using two soft toothbrushes in turn and washing them with hot water and anti bacterial soap after each use. Toothbrushes should also be replaced after every three months according to professional advice.

It has been said that rinsing is another important procedure in tooth cleaning. You can use either a rinse containing fluoride or a home-made one. To help remove the food particles which may be stuck in between the teeth after meals, it is prudent for one to floss daily.

Professional cleaning methods are what are utilized in the dentist's office. Tooth scaling, tooth polishing and debridement are some of these methods. Immediately after any of these methods of professional cleaning have taken place, a dentist will often recommend fluoride treatment which should be done approximately twice a year.

Another often neglected habit that should be incorporated into oral hygiene is that of tongue cleaning. This helps to remove decaying food particles, bacteria and fungi. that cause tooth decay and bad breath. In addition, massaging the gums with toothbrush bristles is generally recommended so as to keep your mouth in good condition.

Yet another vital basic way of maintaining good oral hygiene is taking a healthy diet.

First and foremost, it is vital to drink plenty of water. It keeps one hydrated, cleans the teeth, tongue and gums, and helps produce saliva.

Green tea reduces the accumulation of plaque and the development of cavities and gum diseases. Milk and yogurt are good sources of calcium, the key element of teeth and bones. carrots, pumpkins, and broccoli which are rich in Vitamin A are good for the protection of the enamel.