Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene
- Prevents bad breath and halitosis
- Prevents cavities, tooth decay, and periodontitis
- Makes it easier to clean your teeth
- Prevents tooth loss
- Reduces your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
- Boosts your self-esteem
- Improves overall general health.
- Brushing Your Teeth Properly
- Prevents the spread of bacteria that cause other infections in the body
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
When brushing your teeth, you should follow these steps:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure it has soft bristles. Hard bristles can damage or irritate your gums. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to protect your teeth from cavities.
- Brush the outer surfaces of your teeth first, then the inner surfaces and along the gum line. With a circular motion, brush all surfaces of your teeth while covering all areas on each tooth surface. Brush for at least two minutes to remove all plaque from every corner of your mouth.
- Flossing is equally important as brushing your teeth to protect against gum disease and tooth decay. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach to remove plaque buildup. Flossing also helps eliminate bacteria between your teeth and gums. Flossing can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay by removing food particles that can cause plaque formation.