Dental Hygiene – Best Practices

Dental (oral) hygiene, or keeping your mouth, teeth and gums clean is an essential part of your overall health. Proper tooth brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings and checks can help prevent bad breath, cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis (gum disease), and even certain mouth cancers. There are many easy ways to easily care for your mouth, teeth and gums to keep you healthy and smiling.

Dental hygiene best practices include:

• Gently brush your teeth and tongue with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day (after each meal is best, if you are unable to brush after eating, rinse your mouth with water)
• Floss at least once a day
• Use a mouthwash along with brushing and flossing – not in place of them
• Limit sugary and acidic drinks and foods, such as soda, fruit juices, coffee, alcohol, candy and desserts
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
• Visit a dentist every six months for professional cleanings and examinations
• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet

Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, gastric reflux disease (heartburn), and illnesses associated with regular vomiting can contribute to significant problems with your teeth and gums if not well controlled. So be sure to always discuss with your dentist, your medical history and any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take. Smoking, using chewing tobacco and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol have been linked to increased dental disease, consider quitting for your overall health and a healthier mouth and smile.

From routine, preventative care to the most complex dental diseases, the team at Whittier Street Health Center’s Dental Department is here to help. High quality dental care services including: x-rays, professional cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, root canals, orthodontics, extractions, dental implants and tooth whitening are offered at affordable rates.

Call today to schedule your next dental visit. Your healthy teeth, gums and smile will thank you!

For more information contact Whittier Street Health Center’s Oral Health Services at (617) 989-3240 or (617) 989-3181.

Additional Resources:

Colgate: Oral Care Center http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/topics/oral_health/en/