The start of the brand new year is when many of us make New Years resolutions. Many people take this opportunity to resolve to lose weight or get in shape by going to the gym regularly. The doctors and staff here at Dental Associates of Delaware would like to encourage our patients to make practicing better oral hygiene one of your resolutions for 2014 for the optimal Delaware smile!
Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
The daily cleaning and care of your teeth and gums combined with regular dental check-ups provides you with many benefits. First of all, good oral hygiene prevents the build up of harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. When you take good care of your teeth and gums, you will also be keeping plaque and tartar at bay which if not dealt with can lead to many problems including tooth decay and bad breath.
It has been found that bacterial infections of the mouth can cause many problems with body organs and systems including the heart and lungs. This is why it’s very important to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly each day and to see your family dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.
The phrase “healthy mouth, healthy you” could not be more true and it is backed by scientific evidence. When you have a healthy mouth that’s free of cavities and gum disease, your quality of life can also improve, as you will be able to eat properly, sleep better and carry on with your daily activities without things like toothaches or mouth infections getting in the way.
4 Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene all Year Long
When you get in the habit of practicing good oral hygiene, the process will simply become a part of your day-to-day activities and lifestyle. Here are some tips designed to help you get into the habit of practicing good oral hygiene.
1. Brush your Teeth 2 Times Per Day and Floss Daily
Good oral hygiene starts with brushing your teeth well at least two times each day using a fluoride toothpaste. Most people only brush their teeth for about 35 seconds but our Brandywine, Hockessin, Middletown, Wilmington, Millsboro, and Ocean View, DE dentists recommend brushing for a full 2 minutes. You should also floss your teeth once a day to prevent the buildup of plaque between your teeth and along the gum line.
2. Clean Your Tongue
The natural grooves and ridges on your tongue can be a breeding ground for bacteria. This is why it’s recommend to clean your tongue each day. You can do this with a special tongue cleaner or scraper that can be purchased at most drugstores, or even with your toothbrush.
3. Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet
What you eat directly affects your oral health. You can prevent tooth decay by improving your diet, as certain foods are linked to bacteria that cause cavities. When you eat a well-balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks, your oral health will improve as will your overall body health. The less sugar in your diet the better, so instead of snacking on cookies and candy, choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Even sugary drinks like soda and juice can cause cavities so it’s wise to drink water instead.
4. See Your Dentist for Regular Check-ups and Cleanings
Our dentists are specially trained to detect dental problems early. This is why it’s important to see your dentist every six months for regular exams and cleanings. If you’re a parent of a young child, we recommend that you familiarize your child with the dentist office as early as possible. This will make going to the dentist less stressful. We begin to see children as early as 3 years old. It will also help ensure that any dental problems present will be identified early and treated accordingly.
The doctors and staff here at Dental Associates of Delaware, your local Brandywine, Hockessin, Middletown, Wilmington, Millsboro, & Ocean View, DE family, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry practice, encourage all our patients to practice good oral hygiene all year round. We’re always available to answer any questions you may have so do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about how you can improve your oral hygiene.
If you would like to set up an appointment for yourself or your child, please contact us at our offices in Brandywine, Hockessin, Middletown, Wilmington, Millsboro, or Ocean View, DE. We look forward to seeing you soon!