Oral Health 101: Learn the Basics of Taking Care of Your Teeth

A recent article from the Journal of Periodontology shows us what we already knew was true: Oral hygiene coupled with a healthy diet is the best way to prevent gum disease. On the other hand, the best way to increase your chances of gum disease is to skip brushing and to eat foods with lots of sugar.

At California Dental Group, we want each of our clients to be armed with the best information to take care of their teeth and gums. Read on to get the basics and then reach out to us at (800) 407-0161. Since regular cleanings and exams are such an important part of your oral health, we strongly urge you not to skip them.

Making a few small changes can have a huge impact on your oral health

Ensuring your own oral health involves many small decisions and changes. For example, when you think of brushing your teeth, do you think only about doing that – brushing your teeth? Effective brushing includes brushing the gums, the roof of the mouth, and the tongue.

You can get a toothbrush in many sizes and shapes, and the most important thing is to find one that feels comfortable for you. When you brush, put the bristles at a 45-degree angle near your gums. Then brush with both up and down and back and forth. Use this same process to clean your gums and the inside of your mouth. This helps not only keep your teeth and gums in good shape, but it can help prevent bad breath too.

Flossing once a day is all it takes

You only need to floss once a day but it can make a huge difference. Get a piece that’s about as long as your arm. This offers you plenty of grip and room to get between your teeth. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. The rest should be around the middle finger of your other hand. Gently slide the floss between your teeth all the way to the gum. You should constantly be moving the floss to get a clean section so that you’re not transferring germs from one tooth to the next.

Finding the right toothpaste

You have literally hundreds of types of toothpastes to choose from. Which one is right for you? For advice based on your unique oral health, reach out to your California dentist for advice. Some toothpastes are made for a specific purpose, such as fighting gum disease, bad breath, cavities, tartar, stains, or sensitivity. There are mouthwashes that can help too, but don’t ever use them instead of brushing.

The most important tip: Visiting your dentist regularly

Home oral care is extremely important but so is visiting your dentist. During your regular cleaning and exam, you’ll find out about potential issues that are much easier to handle when caught early. Don’t wait until your tooth hurts to fix a cavity. Don’t wait until you have advanced gum disease to treat it. See your dentist twice a year to keep your teeth in great shape. Call us at (800) 407-0161 today to set up an appointment.