As you go down your current dental care to-do list, you can proudly say that you’ve made some improvements: Brush at least two times a day – Check. Floss two times a day – Check. Although this is a major accomplishment, you still want to take your oral hygiene to another level. And this is where your Longmont dentist comes in. He has the missing pieces to the puzzle to excellent oral care now available for you!
What is Oral Hygiene?
A standard definition of oral hygiene is as follows: the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
The above definition is correct but a little incomplete, which is why your dentist in Longmont wants you to know that there are other factors that directly impact your oral hygiene.
Other Factors that Affect Your Oral Hygiene
Here are some of the other factors to consider in your quest for heathy mouth, teeth and gums:
- What You Eat – The foods you eat have an impact on your oral hygiene. Foods high in sugar will have a negative effect, contributing to bacteria growth and plaque buildup. Conversely, a more balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, will have a far more positive impact on your oral health.
- Frequency of Meals – Try to avoid constant eating, as this never gives your mouth a chance to recover and remove the residual bacteria.
- Saliva – Your saliva is very important to your oral hygiene. It contains enzymes that help to break down the harmful bacteria that grow in your mouth.
- Harmful Habits – It’s best to avoid smoking or chewing tobacco because they are both detrimental to your oral health, as they release toxins in your mouth and reduce the flow of oxygen.
- Overall Health – Certain medical conditions and medications can affect your oral health, causing issues like dry mouth and bad breath.
- Oral Hygiene Regimen – You’re already aware of the importance of brushing and flossing at least twice a day, but another component you may consider adding is mouthwash. This provides another bath for your mouth to wash away remaining food particles and bacteria.
Examine Your Mouth Daily
It will be worth your while to examine your mouth daily to catch issues like swollen gums, chipped teeth, discoloration, and sores or lesions on your gums, cheeks or tongue. By doing so, you can then alert your dentist so that the correct plan of action can be implemented.
Being sure to incorporate all of this information into your oral hygiene bag, and maintaining six-month visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups ensures that you’ll have excellent oral health for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Dan Mauer graduated from Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas) with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He then went on to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Dan is truly passionate about helping his patients achieve and maintain excellent oral health. He practices at Longmont Complete Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.