With the calendar flipping to October, we are now officially in National Dental Hygiene Month. Now is the perfect time to revisit the basics of oral hygiene, as it greatly affects both your oral and overall health. Beyond just your regular oral hygiene habits, your lifestyle choices will also have an impact on your oral health. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Basic Oral Hygiene Habits
You likely hear about the importance of oral hygiene habits whenever you visit your local dentist’s office, but it’s always good to have a reminder. First and foremost, you should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Your toothbrush should last you three to four months — after that it’s time to buy a new one. If you have an electric toothbrush, make sure to replace the head every 12 weeks. Just make sure not to brush too hard because brushing too hard can wear down teeth and damage gums. You should also floss daily and consider using mouthwash to remove food particles that you miss when brushing and flossing.
Negative Lifestyle Habits
Even if you are already following all the right basic hygiene habits, there are some lifestyle habits that can negatively impact your oral health. For example, having too many carbonated beverages and sugary foods can do some serious damage. Soda has a lot of sugar and an acidic pH that damage your gums and your teeth. Plus, the sugar can lead to cavities among other long-term teeth issues.
Alcohol can also have an adverse effect on your oral health as it can lead to plaque accumulation. Alcohol consumption has been linked to issues such as oral cancer, caries, periodontal disease, halitosis, tooth wear, staining, and trauma.
Tobacco in its various forms is a leading cause of oral cancer, as well as gum disease, staining, and reduced taste sensation.
Positive Habits
In addition to maintaining basic hygiene habits and avoiding negative lifestyle habits, there are a few other things you can do to promote oral health. You can eat a healthy diet that doesn’t include too much sugar. You can drink fluoridated water and chew sugarless gum as well.
Of course, the most important positive habit you can develop is going to the dentist twice a year. If you’re looking for a dentist in Bakersfield, CA, Capital Dental Group may be perfect for you. Our doctors and specialists offer a variety of dental services, and our office is open seven days a week. We have in-house financing and have a Membership Club for patients without dental insurance. Call us at 661-861-8000 to set up an appointment today!