Improve your Oral Hygiene with Simple Steps

There are five seemingly small steps that you can take to improve your oral hygiene. The first step is to brush your teeth after meals. By brushing your teeth after meals you remove food particles that when left behind promote bacterial acid production that breaks down tooth enamel. You also remove some of the bacteria in the mouth, which freshens the breath.

Cleanse your Tongue

Your second step is to brush your tongue. Bacteria can collect on the tongue and cause bad breath. It can also lead to an infection no the tongue. You can use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to gently brush or scrape bacteria from the tongue.

Floss Properly

Step three floss daily. Flossing removes food debris and plaque from between the teeth. Tooth brushing does not clean this area and if neglected leads to the development of cavities (tooth decay). Be sure that you floss properly. Take 8 to 12 inches of floss and hold it between the pointer finger and thumb. Make a ā€œCā€ or ā€œUā€ shape with the floss and gently slide it between the teeth. Slide the floss in an up and down motion hugging the right side of the tooth. Then repeat on the left side of the tooth. Floss between all teeth until complete. Flossing promotes gum health and aids in gum disease prevention.

The Dangers of Tobacco

Step four is to stop smoking or using tobacco. Smoking has several negative effects on your oral health. It discolors the teeth, cause bad breath and inflammation, it promotes plaque and tarter growth, increases bone loss in the jaw, increases the risk of gum disease, which causes tooth loss, delays healing, and causes oral cancer.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Step five is to visit your dentist. Regular dental check ups ensure that you are properly caring for your teeth and gums. Your dentist helps you to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. He also helps you to repair damages, treat infection, and illness as needed. Your dentist has the knowledge and tools to help you improve your oral hygiene and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Ricardo Castaneda, D.M.D. is a Miami dentist that can help you care for your smile. To schedule a dental exam, call (305) 598-6665. For patients that have a dental emergency, call Dr. Castaneda’s beeper (305) 580-2928.

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