Developing good oral hygiene habits can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Inconsistent or poor oral hygiene habits can lead to such 
problems as gum disease, tooth decay and even tooth loss. Good oral hygiene habits include brushing and flossing daily, as well as visiting your Kalamazoo, MI dentist, Dr. Mark Richardson, regularly. Regular dental visits give your dentist a chance to spot the early warning signs of potential oral health problems and intervene before they progress.
Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping good oral hygiene habits will keep your mouth healthy. You can create good habits by developing a daily routine and sticking to it. As part of your good oral hygiene habits, be sure to visit your Kalamazoo dentist every six months or as often as recommended by your dentist. Try incorporating the following habits into your daily oral hygiene routine:
- Brush your teeth twice every day.
- Brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles that will not irritate the gums.
- Floss your teeth every night before bed.
- Limit consumption of sugary snacks and foods.
- Ask your dentist about applying sealants on your child’s teeth.
- Avoid or stop smoking.
Proper Brushing
Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is an important part of keeping good oral hygiene habits. However, brushing your teeth twice daily is only effective if you are using proper brushing techniques. Sloppy or poor brushing habits can leave bacteria and food particles behind on teeth. Gently brushing all surface areas of your teeth helps eliminate bacteria that lead to cavities and gum disease.
Keeping good oral hygiene habits helps prevent tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and other oral health problems. Be sure to brush and floss daily, limit intake of sugary substances and visit your dentist regularly. To schedule a checkup with Dr. Richardson, your Kalamazoo, MI dentist, call the office at (269) 343-6907.