San Francisco and Marin CA
Strong oral hygiene is about far more than dazzling white smiles. (Though dazzling white smiles are great to have, too!) From preventing tooth decay to reducing the risk of gum disease, oral hygiene habits can safeguard your oral and overall physical health.
Did you know that poor oral hygiene and untreated dental issues can lead to various systemic health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, diabetes complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes? In other words, maintaining good oral hygiene is important not only for a healthy smile but for a healthy body.
Our family dentist in San Francisco is focusing today on four simple but essential oral hygiene habits that you should make sure you’re including in your daily routine.
Let’s take a look!
Brush twice a day
Seems simple enough, right? But brushing is actually the cornerstone of a strong oral health regimen. We recommend brushing with either an electric toothbrush or a soft-bristled classic toothbrush after meals, or at least once after breakfast and again once before bed, for two minutes each time. We also recommend using fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth. While you’re brushing, remember to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath.
Floss daily
While brushing is the cornerstone of your oral health regimen, it is only part of it because it only cleans the surfaces of teeth. Sometimes a toothbrush can’t reach between the teeth, where food particles like to hide. This makes a perfect space for bacteria to feed and grow, eventually turning into plaque and then tartar, decay and gum disease. Our family dentist near Marin recommends flossing at least once a day to prevent food debris and bacteria from hanging out between your teeth causing a collection of bacteria and, eventually, dental decay.
Use mouthwash
To bolster your oral health regimen, rinse with mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association after brushing and flossing. This helps sweep away even more food debris and bacteria that may have been left behind after brushing and flossing.
Visit the dentist regularly
Our San Francisco family dentist wants to see you twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. Even if you have excellent oral hygiene habits at home, our dentist can, for instance, detect early signs of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease or oral cancer, and our office can provide timely treatment to prevent any further complications.
Family dentist in the Bay Area
Adopting these four important oral hygiene habits can significantly improve your oral health and contribute to a brighter, healthier smile. Consistency is key, so make sure these habits are a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Trust us: your teeth and gums will thank you! If it’s time for your routine checkup and cleaning, or if you’re experiencing any dental issues or have any questions, call our Bay Area family dentist at Glen Park Dental at (415) 799-3900 or reach us online today.
