Do You Have Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

Is your oral care regime up to par? It's time to find out.

Your smile is extremely important and, as you may imagine, losing a tooth can not only affect your smile's appearance but also cause complications for your oral health. Fortunately, our Ellijay, GA family dentists offer up some easy ways that you can properly and effectively care for your smile from the confines of your own home.

So, What Exactly Constitutes Good Oral Hygiene?

In general, good oral hygiene means that your teeth are healthy and free of decay, as well as plaque and tartar buildup. Those with good oral hygiene will also have healthy pink gums that don't experience pain or bleed. If you notice that your gums hurt or even bleed, particularly when brushing and flossing, then it's time to visit your dentist as soon as possible. This could be a warning sign of gum disease.

Maintaining the optimum oral hygiene is the best thing you can do to keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best. Preventive care is key and through brushing and flossing regularly and effectively you can stave off issues such as cavities and gum disease. You should also make time in your schedule to visit us for regular dental cleanings twice a year.

Simple Habits to Prevent Dental Problems

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time
• Floss your teeth at least once a day, ideally before bed and before you brush your teeth
• Follow a smile-friendly diet that is loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and other protein sources while staying away from sugar, processed foods, sodas, etc.
• Quit smoking
• Use a fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste every day to protect against decay

Do you have questions about caring for your smile? Then it's time you turned all your questions over to the dental experts at East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Ellijay, GA. Call us today at (706) 635-2218.