Oral hygiene is very important for both children and adults. Cleaning your mouth keeps your teeth from tartar and plaque buildup, and it also removes bacteria that cause cavities and other periodontal diseases. Keeping your mouth clean also protects your gut from harmful bacteria. A clean mouth also smells fresh and looks good. Besides brushing, there are other things that you should do to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Here are some tips on how to have a beautiful smile and good oral hygiene.
 

Brush Your Teeth Like a Pro

Swiping your brush around your mouth for a few seconds is not effective. You need to brush your teeth systematically for effective cleaning. Brush your teeth with a soft and stable brush and good toothpaste. Brush at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Brush with a gentle circular motion on the surface of the tooth. Use back and front brushing motion on the chewing surface. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and rinse properly.
 

Flossing Saves Your Teeth

Even when you brush properly, your teeth have hard-to-reach grooves and spaces. Food and particles in the small spaces between teeth attract bacteria that cause disease and decay. You can also use an interdental cleaner to reach those small spaces and grooves. Flossing your teeth at least once a day gives you clean and healthy teeth.
 

Keep off Those Sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, your teeth are in danger. Some harmful bacteria living in your mouth release an acidic substance after they digest it. These acids corrode your enamel away. They cause cavities and other periodontal diseases. Do not take in too many foods that contain too much sugar. If you have to indulge, gargle some warm water and brush your teeth as soon as you can.
 

Invest in a Good Mouthwash

Gargling mouthwash after brushing your teeth can make you feel like a fire-consuming acrobat sometimes. However, mouthwash is good for controlling those pesky bacteria in your mouth. A good mouthwash should also reduce acidity in your mouth to prevent enamel corrosion. Mouthwash also keeps your mouth smelling fresh.
 

Do Not Smoke

Smoking tabacco is detrimental to your overall health. It is bad for your lungs and your blood. Smoke from tobacco discolors your teeth and forms black tartar around your gums. It causes a periodontal disease that results in tooth loss. It can even cause oral and lung cancer.
 

Keep Your Dental Appointments

Many people do not look forward to a dental appointment. If you want healthy and beautiful teeth, you should do your very best to attend regular dental appointments. Routine dental visits keep your teeth and gums in check. Your visits should ensure that you get a comprehensive oral exam so that you can fix any problems without a delay. Ask your dentist  in Worcester for additional useful oral hygiene tips.
 

Eat a Balanced Diet

The food that you consume plays a big role in how your entire body system functions. Stay away from processed sugars and starches. Acidic food is also bad for your teeth. Take lots of calcium-rich foods. Eat fresh veggies and fruits. If you eat food that discolors your teeth, rinse immediately with warm water. Limit your coffee intake and drink lots of water.

For more information on oral health, visit Levenson Smile in Worcester, Massachusetts or call us at (508) 731-3940 to schedule an appointment.