every visit ends with a smile

• By Verdugo Hills Dental
• Dental Hygiene
• April 2, 2015

There is no price that can be put on having a great smile. The only way to have a great smile is to have good oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can relate to serious health issues such as gum disease, bone loss, stroke, and oral infections along with a whole host of other diseases. The following is a list of ten dental hygiene steps that can help you keep a winning smile.

1. Brush Your Teeth

When you brush your teeth, angle your toothbrush at forty-five degrees near the gum line. Make sure that both the gum line and the surface of your teeth contact the bristles. Use a back-and-forth and up and down motion on the surface of your teeth. It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice daily.

2. Floss

Flossing can be one of the hardest habits to develop. Flossing removes food particles that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Flossing should be done on a daily basis.

3. Avoid Tobacco

This is the biggest favor you can do for your teeth. Tobacco leads to oral cancer, will stain your teeth, and will leave you with bad breath.

4. Minimize Soda, Coffee, and Alcohol Intake

While these beverages do have phosphorus, a mineral that is necessary for strong teeth, they also have a high sugar and corn syrup content. This will make your teeth appear dull and discolored. For this reason, it is recommended that a person drink a lot of milk and water as opposed to coffee or soda.

5. Consume Calcium and Other Vitamins Needed for Strong Teeth

Calcium is a must for strong teeth. It is also important for strong bones. Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, broccoli, and fortified juices.

6. Visit the Dentist

A good oral hygiene routine will include at least two visits to the dentist annually. During these appointments, a comprehensive exam that includes x-rays will be done.

7. Use Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing your teeth are two important aspects oral health that we have already mentioned. The third part is mouthwash. Mouthwash, such as Listerine, is a great way to remove bacteria from your mouth. It’ll keep your teeth strong and will improve the smell of your breath.

8. Visit the Dentist If You Have a Toothache

If you have a toothache, do not procrastinate. Your dentist needs to identify the underlying cause and fix it before it becomes an even greater problem.

9. See the Big Picture

If you understand the role oral health plays in your overall health, you will be more likely to take the steps to keep your mouth healthy. Failure to maintain good oral health can lead to life threatening diseases. Straight teeth are not just for good looks.

10. Clean Your Tongue

Clean the surface of your tongue on a daily basis. Do this by using a professional tongue cleaner. This will help remove bacteria that live on your tongue that can contribute to bad breath.

So there you have it. Ten simple steps that you can take to improve your oral health. These ten steps will guarantee that you have a healthy, beautiful, strong smile that all around you will admire.