What a good daily routine looks like, and why caring for the whole mouth protects the rest of your health.
Understanding the basics of oral hygiene lets you care for your teeth well. The basics reach beyond the teeth, though. They cover the whole mouth, including the gums, cheeks, and tongue, because oral health is closely tied to the health of the rest of the body.
Why good oral hygiene matters
Your teeth are anchored to the jaw through their roots, which gives the mouth the structure and strength you rely on to bite, chew, and speak. Without a regular routine, bacteria build up as plaque and tartar, the yellowish film along the gum line.
Left alone, that buildup can work beneath the gums and create pockets where the tissue pulls away from the teeth. That can lead to gum recession and, eventually, exposed roots. Once bacteria reach the bloodstream, the whole body can be affected. Protecting the health of your smile is part of protecting the health of your body.
What to include in a daily routine
Your exact routine depends on your needs, but most should include three things:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and gentle circular strokes at a 45-degree angle along the gum line, for about two minutes.
- Flossing at least once a day, curving the floss around the base of each tooth to clean just beneath the gum line.
- Rinsing once a day with a dentist-approved mouthwash, following the directions on the bottle.
Habits that keep a smile healthy
Frequent soda and sugary sweets attack enamel and leave teeth more open to decay. Cheese, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, and green and black teas are kinder choices that also feed the rest of you. Beyond diet, the single most valuable habit is staying connected to your dental team. We come to know you and your smile over time and can guide it as it changes.
Most people do well with a checkup every six months, though some need them more often. Between visits, keep up the daily routine. A cleaning removes built-up plaque, but only you can clear the day-to-day particles that keep a smile healthy.
A few common questions
Is oral care important for children? Yes. There is a myth that baby teeth do not matter because they fall out, but how they are cared for sets the stage for the adult teeth beneath them. Children benefit from seeing the dentist regularly from an early age.
Are cleanings and deep cleanings different? They are similar. Both remove buildup and assess your oral health, but a deep cleaning also cleans beneath the gum line, and is usually recommended only when there are signs of decay or gum disease.