Keeping up with good oral hygiene doesn’t sound that complicated to most people. However, despite the seeming simplicity of good hygiene practices, many people still experience common dental health issues that those practices are meant to prevent. Typically, the issue isn’t that people forget about their hygiene; it’s that they don’t always remember every aspect that goes into keeping their smiles healthy. That’s why good hygiene education and preventive measures are an important part of the services we provide at our Encinitas/San Diego periodontal office.

It isn’t always about brushing and flossing

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once is the foundation of your good oral hygiene routine. If you skip it even once, then the effectiveness of your hygiene routine diminishes. However, good hygiene doesn’t stop at just brushing and flossing your teeth every day. For example, if you snack on candy and sweets throughout the day, or if you never drink any water, then you can still be placing your teeth and gums at risk. The same is true for habits like smoking and/or chewing tobacco, which can also increase your risks of developing serious, potentially fatal health conditions.

It only works if it’s consistent

Whether it’s brushing and flossing your teeth, snacking more responsibly, or giving up a smoking a habit, your routine will only work if you remain consistent. The harmful oral bacteria that attack your teeth gums, leading to conditions like periodontal disease, are ever-present in your mouth. They constantly accumulate and form plaque on your teeth and gum line, so you have to consistently remove the film to stop the bacteria from causing trouble. In fact, lack of consistency is one of the biggest factors in why people still develop highly preventable oral health conditions.

It can’t be accomplished alone

Besides lack of consistency, a failure to maintain a regular schedule of professional care is another important reason why issues like periodontal disease are still so common. In addition to keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy at home, they also require professional maintenance to remove calcified tartar and comprehensive care to mitigate your risks of dental health issues. Stick to a schedule of checkup and cleaning appointments at least once every six months to keep your smile healthy. Also, if you’re at an increased risk of gum disease, then visit your periodontist as often as recommended to prevent it or control it before it grows worse.

Keeping up with good hygiene

Consistently good hygiene is the cornerstone of a healthy smile, though it may involve a little more than you realize. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.