Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to enjoy a strong, beautiful, and functional smile. The combination of at-home care and regular dental visits supports lasting oral health, with both factors being absolutely essential. Here’s what you should know about effective dental hygiene.

The importance of a solid oral hygiene routine at home.

Taking care of your smile at home with the right oral hygiene routine is essential. Without that care, you’re liable to develop oral health issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Bacteria in your mouth are always working toward that end, and effective oral hygiene holds them back.

Without effective oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth can grow in greater numbers. They’ll penetrate the gumline to cause gum disease, and they secrete acid that weakens enamel, allowing cavities and tooth decay to take hold.

Keeping up with oral hygiene at home, along with routine dental visits, protects you from these issues and further complications down the line. While your day-to-day routine keeps bacteria under control, regular checkups and teeth cleanings deal with stubborn plaque deposits and help identify issues before they get out of hand.

You should visit your dentist in Tulsa once every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. This prevents excessive plaque and tartar buildup, along with ensuring your dentist spots developing issues in time for effective treatment.

7 Tips to Maintain Your Oral Hygiene

Are you concerned that you may not be taking the right steps to ensure proper oral hygiene? Follow these simple tips to maximize the effectiveness of your routine!

1. Brush Twice Each Day

Brushing twice each day is essential, as bits of food, bacteria, and plaque continue to develop over the entire day. When you brush, use fluoride toothpaste that remineralizes your enamel to keep it strong and prevent tooth decay.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of oral hygiene, but it is absolutely vital. Flossing removes plaque that builds up between teeth, protecting you from tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can kill bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, along with making your breath smell much fresher. However, keep in mind that you should use mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing—it’s not a replacement.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

Avoiding sugary snacks deprives bacteria in your mouth of their primary source of energy, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure to get plenty of vitamins and minerals, too, to support strong teeth and resilient gums.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away bits of food and bacteria, along with supporting healthy saliva production that further combats bacteria. Stick to plain water, though, as even sugar-free sparkling water is acidic and harmful to your teeth.

6. Avoid Tobacco

Few things are more harmful to your overall health than tobacco. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to oral cancer and a wide range of other oral health complications, so you should avoid them entirely.

7. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

Toothbrushes aren’t meant to last forever! They wear out over time and can accumulate bacteria, so replace them every three to four months. Make sure to use an ADA-approved toothbrush, ideally with soft bristles to avoid enamel wear.

Some warning signs that require an immediate visit to your dentist.

Daily oral hygiene routines and regular dental checkups go a long way to safeguard your smile. However, there are also situations where you should reach out to your dentist for a visit as soon as possible. Recognizing these signs can help you get treatment sooner and avoid more serious issues.

• A persistent toothache or lasting tooth sensitivity indicates something is wrong with one or more of your teeth. Keep in mind, severe toothaches that suddenly seem to get better could be even more serious, as the nerve tissue inside may have died.
  
• Bleeding or swollen gums are also serious signs of gum disease. As the condition progresses, it can cause loose teeth or gaps forming between teeth, which is an immediate cause to reach out to your dentist.
  
• Mouth sores that don’t heal can indicate serious oral infection. Bad breath or a persistent taste in your mouth can also mean something is wrong. Don’t hesitate to reach out and see what your dentist has to say.

Trusted Dental Care in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Putting these tips into action can help you achieve excellent oral hygiene and lasting oral health. However, it’s also important to have access to the dental care you need when you need it. Bold Dental is your local source for general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, along with your trusted emergency dentist in Tulsa. Discover more about our team and schedule an appointment to ensure the best for your smile!