Is oral hygiene a priority in your life? Good oral hygiene habits can help you avoid tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Our San 
Bernadino, CA, dentist, Dr. Sanjay Patel of My Dentist, shares a few oral hygiene tips you'll want to make sure you follow.
Don't hurry
Do you spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth in the morning and evening? If you don't, you might not be removing all of the plaque from your teeth. Cavity-causing plaque eventually turns into tartar, a hard substance that's responsible for gum disease. When you brush for a full two minutes and concentrate on brushing every single tooth, you'll lower your cavity risk.
Use soft bristles
Harder bristles can damage your sensitive gums and erode tooth enamel. When your enamel is eroded, your teeth look yellow because the dentin layer is exposed. Erosion can also increase tooth sensitivity. If you buy a toothbrush with soft bristles and use gentle pressure when you brush your teeth, you'll avoid these problems.
Keep plenty of floss on hand
Flossing daily offers a simple way to prevent cavities between teeth. Reduce plaque by gently sliding the floss up and down between your teeth. Don't forget to wrap it around the base of your teeth to remove get rid of plaque on your gums.
Brush your tongue
Do you brush your tongue when you brush your teeth? If you don't, your mouth may not stay clean for long. The bacteria from your tongue will eventually travel to your teeth if you skip this crucial step. If you avoid brushing your tongue because you tend to gag, consider buying a tongue scraper at a San Bernadino store and scrape instead of brush.
Take advantage of the protective properties of mouthwash
Mouthwash extends the protection offered by brushing your teeth. Look for products that contain fluoride and provide anti-bacterial production. Fluoride strengthens your enamel, while the anti-bacterial ingredients kill the bacteria that contributes to tooth decay. After your use the mouthwash, spit, but don't dilute the protection by rinsing.
Keep your smile healthy with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits. Call our San Bernadino, CA, dentist, Dr. Patel of My Dentist, at (888) 599-7005 to schedule an appointment.
