The fact that good hygiene is the cornerstone of good dental health is no secret. However, sticking to every tenet of good hygiene on a consistent basis can sometimes prove more than most people can manage. Because of this, many patients in Encinitas/San Diego experience conditions such as periodontal disease that are typically highly preventable. Therefore, to help you better preserve your smile, we offer a few tips on how to make your hygiene routine as effective as possible every day.
Tips for a Healthier Smile
- Brush your gumline – Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the foundation of good hygiene, but harmful plaque doesn’t just accumulate on obvious parts of your tooth surfaces. In fact, gum disease is caused by bacteria that accumulate along your gum line, which you can easily miss if you don’t specifically aim for it.
- Floss carefully, but well – Flossing is as important as brushing your teeth, but if not done correctly, you may either miss most of the bacteria between your teeth and/or cause harm to the sensitive gum tissues around them. Be sure to floss carefully to avoid traumatizing your gums, but be thorough enough to successfully remove the harmful plaque and food particles that could become hazardous.
- Drink water more often – Water is an effective neutralizer of harmful oral bacteria, which is why your saliva (which is made of nearly 99% water) is an important part of your mouth’s natural defenses. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially after meals and snacks, helps reduce the risks of plaque buildup and maintain a healthy flow of bacteria-fighting saliva.
- Stick your checkup and cleaning schedule – While you can optimize your hygiene routine at home, successfully preventing dental disease also requires routine professional exams and cleanings with your dentist or periodontist. If you have gingivitis (early signs of gum disease), then your routine may also include deep periodontal cleaning, or scaling and root planing, to combat oral bacteria that have gathered underneath your gums.
Learn More About the Importance of Good Hygiene
The successful prevention of chronic conditions such as periodontal disease begins with a healthy focus on consistently good hygiene. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.