Proper oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is essential for healthy teeth and gums, according to the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research.
When paired with regular dental exams and cleanings, good oral hygiene is a person’s best chance to keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Proper and consistent tooth brushing removes dental plaque — a sticky, colorless film of bacteria. Plaque buildup can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Even teeth that contain fillings are at risk for decay.
Plaque can also harden below the gum line, causing the gums to bleed and become red and swollen. These are signs of gingivitis, a common and mild form of gum disease.
When brushing, make sure to:
• Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is what protects teeth from decay.
• Do so gently using small, circular motions. Do not scrub hard back and forth.
• Brush all sides of each tooth and brush your tongue to remove additional bacteria.
• Floss afterward because it removes plaque and food particles between teeth.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s website has more information.
