Good dental hygiene is important for keeping teeth in good condition. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily and visiting the dentist regularly. However, dental health is not just about avoiding gum disease and cavities. Studies show that the condition of your mouth can affect your overall health.

Dental experts believe that oral health issues are a major global health concern. If untreated, gum problems or tooth decay can cause pain, lower self-esteem, and lead to tooth loss. These problems can also lead to poor nutrition, language difficulties, and difficulties at school, work, or daily life. You can avoid these problems by caring for your teeth at your dentist’s office and at home.

Below are some methods to keep your teeth clean and healthy:

Brush Teeth Regularly But Gently

Most people know that brushing twice daily removes bacteria and plaque. However, you should use the right technique.

When brushing, use a small, circular motion and clean each tooth's back, top, and front. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid brushing with back-and-forth movements.

Brushing too aggressively or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles can damage your enamel and gums. This can permanently damage the enamel and cause tooth sensitivity and gum recession. The American Dental Association recommends replacing a soft-bristled toothbrush every three months and when the bristles begin to fray.

Flossing

Flossing removes bacteria and plaque in the crevices of your teeth. It also helps prevent bad breath by eliminating food particles stuck between your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing once every day to help remove plaque and food particles.

Most dental professionals suggest gently sliding the floss down to the gumline and then moving it up and down along the side of each tooth. Avoid snapping the floss quickly between your teeth, as this can cause pain and is less effective at removing plaque.

Use Fluoride Based Products

Fluoride is an element found in the earth. Many experts believe it helps prevent cavities. It is found in most toothpaste and mouthwash.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking damages the immune system, making it harder for your body to heal, including in your mouth. The CDC lists smoking as a risk factor for gum disease, and the American Dental Association (ADA) warns that smokers may heal more slowly after dental procedures.

Smoking also changes the appearance of your mouth, turning your teeth and tongue yellow and giving your breath a bad odor.

Schedule Dental Checkups Regularly

Dentists can treat and diagnose oral health problems before they become serious. Experts advise visiting a dentist after six months for a checkup. During a routine visit, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth and remove plaque and hardened tartar.

The dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health problems. X-rays may also be taken to detect tooth decay. Children and adolescents should visit the dentist every six months to prevent tooth decay. Adults who observe good dental hygiene and have a low risk of oral health problems do not need to visit the dentist as often.

You can ask your dentist how often you should have a check-up. This may depend on your medical history, age, and general dental health. However, anyone who notices changes in their mouth should see a dentist.

Avoid Starchy and Sugary Foods

Eating too much sugar can cause cavities. Research shows that sugar plays a major role in poor dental health. Candy and desserts are common sources, but many processed foods have added sugar.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting sugar to less than 10 percent of your daily calories. Studies show that cutting sugar down to just 5 percent could even lower the risk of tooth decay and other dental issues.

Experts also say that starchy foods such as crackers, bread, French fries, and pasta can lead to tooth decay. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), these foods remain in the mouth and break down into simple sugars that bacteria use to create acid. This acid can cause tooth decay.

Instead of starchy foods, eat plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and choose dairy products with no added sugar.

Consider Using Mouthwash

Using mouthwash can help kill bacteria and make your breath fresh. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash, since alcohol can dry out the mouth. Rinse it back and forth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.

It is best to ask your dentist which mouthwash is best for you. While mouthwash is helpful, it should not replace brushing and flossing but can be a good addition to your daily routine.

Take Water Instead of Sugary Beverages

Sugary drinks are a major source of extra sugar in many diets. Drinking soda, juice, or other sweetened beverages can raise the risk of cavities. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regularly drinking water or unsweetened tea. You can keep sugary drinks to meal times and limit how much you consume.

Clean The Tongue

Cleaning your tongue is an important part of oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth is essential, but cleaning your tongue helps remove bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath and affect your overall oral health. Bacteria and other substances can become lodged in the tongue with tiny bumps and grooves.

This can lead to the following problems:

  • Bad breath
  • Tooth decay
  • Other oral health problems

Regular tongue cleaning helps to remove these harmful substances and promotes good oral hygiene.

Create a Dental Care Routine

Keeping your teeth clean involves more than just brushing and flossing. It requires a full oral care routine. Here is how you can set up an effective routine to keep your teeth clean and healthy:

     1. Morning Routine

Start your day by brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. Be gentle as you brush along your gum line, and clean every surface of your teeth. Use a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to clean your tongue, which helps eliminate bacteria and prevent bad breath. Finish by rinsing your mouth with water or an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove any remaining bacteria and keep your mouth feeling fresh.

     2. After-Meal Care

Rinse your mouth with water after eating acidic or sugary foods and drinks. This helps balance the acids and lowers the chance of harming your tooth enamel. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals is also beneficial because it stimulates saliva production, helping to rinse away food debris and neutralize acids.

     3. Midday Refresh and Evening Routine

If you can, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after lunch to keep your mouth clean throughout the day. Take a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you for quick oral care.

Before bed, brush your teeth to remove plaque and bacteria built up during the day. Floss between your teeth to clean the spots your toothbrush cannot reach. You might also use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria overnight.

     4. Regular Dental Check-ups

Plan to see your dentist twice a year or a check-up. Regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist can eliminate stubborn plaque and tartar buildup. During these visits, your dentist will check for potential dental problems early.

     5. Maintain Healthy Habits

Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Water helps remove food particles and keeps your mouth moist. Reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks because they can harm tooth enamel and lead to cavities. When drinking acidic beverages, use a straw to reduce the contact with your teeth.

     6. Replace Worn Toothbrushes

Change your toothbrush or head every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are worn out. Frayed bristles are less effective at cleaning teeth.

Extra Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Clean

Along with your regular oral care routine, try these additional tips to improve your teeth further cleaning and oral health:

  • Sugar-free chewing gum—Sugar-free chewing gum with xylitol can improve saliva flow. The chewing gum helps remove food debris and lowers the risk of cavities.
  • Choose healthy snacks—Choose snacks that are good for your teeth, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt. These foods help produce saliva, which can neutralize acids and strengthen enamel.
  • Address teeth grinding (bruxism)— If you have bruxism, use a night guard to protect your teeth from excessive wear and damage
  • Use an electric toothbrush—Electric toothbrushes with rotating or moving bristle heads can be more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. They are especially helpful for people with limited hand movement.
  • Be consistent—Maintain a positive attitude toward your oral care routine. Being consistent and proactive with your dental health will help you achieve good long-term results.
  • Stay informed—Read reliable sources, go to dental check-ups, and discuss any concerns with your dentist to stay current on oral health information.
  • Avoid home teeth whitening—Be careful with home teeth whitening methods found online, as they might harm your teeth and gums. Talk to your dentist about safe and effective whitening options.
  • Address dental issues quickly—See your dentist immediately if you notice tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or other dental problems. Taking care of these issues early can prevent them from becoming more serious.

What Are Cavities?

These are small holes that develop in the teeth due to decay. Cavities form when plaque builds up on the tooth’s surface, mixing with sugars and starches from your food. This mixture creates acid that can wear away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is not treated, it can lead to more serious dental problems. To prevent cavities, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss between your teeth at least once.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is mainly caused by plaque and bacteria not addressed early on. Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include using tobacco, grinding your teeth, certain medications, and genetic factors. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If caught early, gingivitis can be treated. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to more severe gum disease, leading to tooth and bone loss and becoming a permanent issue. To prevent gingivitis and more serious gum disease, brush your teeth regularly and visit your dentist every six months.

When Should I Visit My Dentist?

Regular dental care includes visiting the dentist twice yearly for cleanings and maintaining good oral hygiene at home. Watch for these signs that might indicate it is time to see a dentist:

  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
  • Teeth that appear longer
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Persistent bad breath or unusual taste in your mouth
  • Pain when yawning or chewing

What Type of Toothpaste and Toothbrush Should I Use?

Firm or medium bristles can harm your teeth and gums. Therefore, you should consider one with soft bristles. Both electric and manual toothbrushes clean teeth effectively. Manual brushes with bristles of different heights or angled bristles usually clean better than those with all flat bristles. Electric toothbrushes can be helpful if you find it hard to use your hands.

Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Replace it sooner if the bristles become bent or frayed, as they need to be cleaned more effectively and may indicate you are brushing too hard.

Most tubes of toothpaste will remove bacteria and acids from food and drinks. Look for toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, as it contains fluoride to strengthen and protect teeth. If you prefer a fluoride-free option, natural toothpastes and powders are available, though they may not have ADA approval.

If you experience discomfort with hot or cold foods and drinks, consult your dentist and use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

Find a Professional Dental Clinic Near Me

Taking care of your teeth and gums from infancy through adulthood helps keep them healthy. Restoring your teeth and gums to optimal condition can be difficult when problems arise. Even if your teeth and gums are healthy, keeping them in good condition is important. Taking a few minutes each day to look after your oral health can significantly affect the long-term appearance and health of your teeth and gums.

If you have any questions or need help, contact our dentists at Washington Dental. We serve Los Angeles, Carson, Torrance, and Lomita. Call us today at 310-217-1507 to schedule your free dental consultation.