You might think you know all there is to know about keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but if you’re relying on your childhood knowledge of oral hygiene, you could be missing out on some key strategies. 

Our team at Arya Dental in Fullerton, California, wants you to have the best practices in your back pocket so you can avoid problems down the line. Here, we give you our best advice on how to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. 

Why oral health matters

They’re just your teeth. They’re made to tear, shred, and chew, so they’re tough enough to last for the long haul, right? Not necessarily. Your teeth are incredibly strong and do withstand quite a bit of stress, but even the tiniest bit of decay can spread and wreak havoc on your health — your whole health. 

Tooth infections and decay can put you at risk for a wide range of health problems, from cardiovascular disease to pneumonia. There’s even a correlation between poor oral hygiene and pregnancy and birth complications. 

Fortunately, you can avoid all these problems if you stick to these best practices.

Make it the last part of your day

Whether you eat three square meals a day or you’re a grazer, your mouth accumulates debris and other harmful substances, like germs and plaque, throughout the day. For that reason, brush twice daily and make sure that the second session happens right before you go to bed. Otherwise, the gunk and grime are left on your teeth all night.  

Use the right technique

Brushing is simple, right? Just scrub and scrape with your toothbrush for a few seconds and call it good. 

That’s what you might think the proper brushing technique is, but there’s a lot more to it. If you’re brushing incorrectly, it’s almost as bad as not brushing at all. 

We recommend that you take your time and move the brush in gentle, circular motions to get the best results. 

Don’t forget your tongue

You may not realize it, but your tongue can accumulate just as much plaque and bacteria as your teeth and gums. Leaving your tongue unbrushed can cause oral health problems and even lead to a battle with bad breath. 

Check for fluoride

Toothpaste these days comes with all sorts of promises of whiter teeth and healthier gums, but the only thing we really care about is whether your paste has fluoride in it. Fluoride is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay, so make sure your toothpaste has it. 

Prioritize flossing

Your brush is great, but it simply cannot get rid of 100% of the threats lurking between your teeth. So, make sure you’re flossing just as diligently as you are brushing if you want a complete cleaning. 

Consider adding mouthwash

Mouthwash may seem like overkill, but it may be the missing link in your oral hygiene routine. We recommend using mouthwash because it reduces the amount of acid in your mouth, cleans hard-to-reach areas, and fortifies your teeth. We can point you in the right direction if you don’t know which mouthwash is best. 

Stay hydrated

Water is king when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. Why? A steady stream of H20 washes out sticky and acidic foods that would otherwise hang around on your teeth and gums. 

Eat your way to healthier teeth

You read that correctly. You can actually improve your oral health through your diet. Fresh crunchy vegetables are high in fiber and they act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing your teeth as you chew. 

Keep your appointments

Your habits at the sink are crucial to your oral health, but even the most diligent brushers need the help of a professional. Make sure you’re in our dentist’s chair at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and check-up. 

If you’d like more information, or if you’re overdue for a checkup, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment online or over the phone at our office today.