Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

If you want your teeth to last a lifetime, you must maintain good oral hygiene habits with daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and regular visits to the dentist. At Smith Family Dentistry in Columbia, SC, Dr. Gene Smith helps his patients maintain a proper hygiene routine.

Good Brushing Leads to Great Smiles

It’s worth investing two minutes of your time twice a day to keep a bright, healthy smile. Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). Use a timer to make sure that you’re brushing long enough and make sure to thoroughly brush all of the surfaces of each tooth. When you’re done, don’t forget to clean your tongue. Rinsing with mouthwash can help reduce the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Dental experts recommend that you change your brush every three months, or sooner if it is looking worn.

Propper Flossing Saves Your Teeth and Gums 

Flossing isn’t optional. It doesn’t matter whether you use strands of floss, water flossers, or Y-flossers, it’s important to remove particles of food that are trapped between your teeth. This reduced the build-up of plaque which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

A Healthy Diet Keeps Your Teeth Strong

Limit your sugar and carbohydrate intake because oral bacteria thrive on them. Make sure that you eat plenty of vegetables, fiber, and grains every day and drink plenty of water. Foods that are high in calcium—such as milk and yogurt—help to strengthen your teeth enamel.

Visit Your Columbia Dentist

A dental visit every six months gives your dentist the opportunity to check the health of your teeth and gums and to give you a professional cleaning. Dr. Smith can check your teeth and gums for indications of tooth decay and gingivitis and check the stability of any current crowns and fillings.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Smith’s Columbia office is currently closed for all non-emergent procedures. If you are having a dental emergency call 803-738-9543.