Oral hygiene

Name: GG Orthodontics
Telephone: 01962 864 222

Maintaining the hygiene of your mouth, teeth and gums is essential for both your physical and emotional health. Proper oral care goes beyond just brushing and flossing. Learn more about what you can do to set your smile up for success.

The importance of oral hygiene

Oral health is closely linked to your general health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to severe problems, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, because the bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs.

Not maintaining your oral hygiene can also cause bad breath and tooth decay. Decaying teeth can be painful and lead to difficulties with eating and speaking. Luckily, these issues can be prevented through routine oral maintenance.

How to maintain oral hygiene

Learn more about the important steps you can take to protect your dental health.

Brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth in the morning and at night for at least two minutes is one of the most important things you can do to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. We recommend you use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your enamel and gums.

Flossing

Flossing once a day is the best way to prevent plaque build up between your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. We highly recommend the use of traditional floss, but if you find it difficult to use you can also try dental tape or floss picks as an alternative.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash should never replace brushing and flossing, but it can be useful as a complementary tool to help reduce bacteria, fight bad breath and prevent plaque buildup.

Diet

What you eat and drink matters too. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, is important for maintaining tooth enamel and bone health. You should minimise the intake of sugary foods and drinks, as they can lead to plaque buildup and cavities.

Avoiding tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco will not only cause bad breath and stained teeth, it can also contribute to gum disease, tooth decay and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco will significantly improve your oral hygiene.

Dental check-ups

It is important to have regular visits with your dentist to ensure your mouth is in good health and maintain it with professional cleanings. Dental cleanings can remove tough plaque and tartar buildup that routine brushing and flossing can miss.