Best Practices For Maintaining Good Oral Health

Good oral hygiene is an utmost important practice to maintain our oral health. It involves brushing your teeth, keeping them clean, and visiting your Dentist in Livermore, CA, regularly for cleanings and exams. 

Without good oral hygiene, you run the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. In fact, cavities alone affect more than half of all adults. Good oral hygiene can prevent these problems and help you keep a healthy smile.

How Does Good Oral Hygiene Prevent Oral Diseases?

Good oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay. Flossing helps to remove food debris and plaque that accumulates between the teeth. Mouthwash helps to kill bacteria that build up in your mouth. Practicing good oral hygiene can prevent oral diseases that may lead to tooth loss.

Good Oral Hygiene Practices

• Brushing and flossing

• Rinsing after brushing your teeth

• Regular dental cleanings

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash can keep your teeth clean. But did you know that receiving regular dental cleanings by the Dentist in Livermore, CA, is essential for preventing gum disease and tooth decay? Getting your teeth cleaned by your Dentist in Livermore, CA, is just as important to your oral health as brushing and flossing at home. Dental cleanings eliminate plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, preventing cavities and tooth decay. They also remove stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, brightening your smile. Dental cleanings also stimulate your gums, which helps keep them healthy.

• Dental sealants

Dental sealants are substance that is placed on the surface of your teeth. This substance bonds to the teeth and seals the small pits and grooves. Sealants are a great option for children and teens. This is because these teeth have deep grooves that are very prone to decay.

• Tobacco cessation

Tobacco cessation can help patients avoid developing more serious oral health problems. For patients who use tobacco products, our Dentist in Livermore, CA, can provide personalized recommendations for tobacco cessation. 

• Quitting smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to maintain good oral health. Smoking causes cancer and gum disease and stains your teeth. It also weakens your immune system. Not only does smoking affect your mouth, but it also reduces blood flow throughout your body, which puts you at risk for developing heart disease.

• Reducing your sugar consumption

Reducing your sugar consumption is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Unfortunately, sugar is in everything we eat, from bread to dairy to fruit. Therefore, eliminating sugar isn’t a realistic solution. Instead, limit your sugar consumption to what has been recommended by your dental provider.

• Reducing your alcohol consumption

Minimize your alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol in excess can lead to serious oral health issues. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and liquor all contain high levels of sugar. As a result, they can increase your risk of developing tooth decay. Additionally, alcohol can dry out your mouth. This can increase the risk of gum disease. If you drink, aim to drink in moderation. When you do drink, drink a glass of water alongside your alcoholic beverage to help rinse away some of the sugars and reduce the risk of cavities.

Alta Vista Dental provides all the dental services with the expertise of experienced dentists. Call at 925-292-1459 and book your appointment to receive a complete oral checkup.