Oral Hygiene Basics

Good oral health can be maintained with routine dental visits. They help identify problems with teeth or gums and help assess the general condition of your oral health. In addition, they detect probable trouble spots and provide solutions for preventive treatment. However, in between your mandatory visits, the best way to keep disease-free teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath is a daily regime of oral hygiene. 

At Roshan Emam DDS in Palo Alto, CA, we make every effort to educate our patients on effective oral hygiene practices to ensure their dental health is kept in perfect condition and functioning at its peak.  

Why Is Oral Health Important?

Oral health impacts every facet of our lives. The health of our mouth reflects the general well-being of the body. Ailments in other body parts often show visible symptoms in the mouth. Similarly, oral conditions like tooth loss and gum disease reduce an individual's quality of life and lead to problems in other areas. That's the main reason maintaining good oral hygiene is of prime importance.

What Are the Basics of Oral Hygiene?

Your basic oral routine should include the following practices: 

• Brush and Floss

If you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once daily, this will keep the plaque and harmful bacteria from accumulating on the teeth' surface. These bacteria convert the food particles into acid and weaken the enamel, causing tooth decay. 

• Fluoride Supplements

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel; it is vital for children's emerging teeth and helps prevent decay in both children and adults alike. Even if you drink fluoridated water, you should always use fluoride toothpaste. If additional fluoride is necessary, it can be applied directly to your teeth here at the dental office.

• Avoid Sugary Treats

Sugary snacks provide food for decay-causing bacteria. When sugary foods are eaten throughout the day, their acid content will keep eroding the tooth's enamel. Hence, you should restrict your sugary intake to mealtimes.

• Use a Mouth Rinse

Mouth rinses can advance your overall oral hygiene as well as keeps the foul breath away. Using a medicated mouth rinse has been proven to control plaque bacteria and prevent cavities better than brushing and flossing alone.

• Dental Examinations 

Regular dental examinations once every six months will help maintain your oral health at optimum levels. If any dental concerns are identified, they can be treated promptly to prevent future problems.

Oral hygiene is essential to keep your mouth and rest of the body ailment-free. To learn more about the basics of oral hygiene, call Roshan Emam DDS in Palo Alto, CA, at (650) 321-0340 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Emam.