Establishing a good oral hygiene routine is the simplest, most effective way to avoid oral health problems. Although brushing and flossing daily are crucial aspects of good oral care, regular visits to your dentists, Drs. John, Sheila, and Frances Lynch of Lynch Dental Center in River Forest and Chicago, IL, are just as important.
What good oral care habits can do for your smile
Daily brushing and flossing greatly reduce your risk of tooth decay. Decay can be traced to acids that form when bacteria in foods combine with sugars in foods and beverages. Twice daily brushing removes plaque from your teeth and mouth, helping you avoid cavities.
When you remove plaque completely, you won't have to worry about tartar either. Creating unattractive brown deposits at the bottoms of teeth and in between them, tartar is so hard that removal requires special tools from your dentist. Both tartar and plaque can increase the chance that you'll develop gum disease.
Your home oral care routine should include these tasks:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth for at least two minutes in both the morning and at night. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid accidental damage to your tooth enamel or gums. Be sure to brush all exposed surfaces of your teeth to completely remove plaque.
- Flossing: Flossing should also be a daily part of your oral hygiene routine. Running a piece of floss back and forth between your teeth removes plaque and trapped food particles from the tight areas in between teeth. If you don't like floss or have difficulty using it, try a water flosser instead.
You may want to end your oral hygiene sessions with a capful of mouthwash, as well. Look for mouthwashes that offer anti-bacterial properties and contain fluoride. Anti-bacterial ingredients kill bacteria that can cause tooth decay, while fluoride rebuilds weak areas of tooth enamel. Fluoride is also an essential ingredient in toothpaste. If acids begin to weaken your tooth enamel, the mineral can strengthen the enamel, preventing a cavity.
Prioritize oral health
Keep your smile healthy with good home oral care! Do you need to schedule a visit with your dentists in River Forest and Chicago, IL, Drs. John, Sheila, and Frances Lynch of Lynch Dental? Call our River Forest office at (708) 366-6411 or our Chicago office at (312) 263-3235 to make an appointment.
