Dental Hygiene

In the past few decades, dental hygiene has increasingly become recognized as an important component of overall health. In addition, as dental technology improves, an attractive and healthy set of teeth is within the reach of more people than ever before. Despite this, however, many Americans tend to neglect the well-being of their teeth, paving the way for difficulties down the road.

According to the American Dental Association, a good oral hygiene program should consist of four basic elements. First of all, you should brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste approved by the ADA. Secondly, you should floss your teeth daily, making sure to clean the sides of each tooth.

Plaque, caused by bacteria caught between teeth or below gums, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Eventually gums may recede from the teeth, creating pockets that attract even more bacteria. Left untreated, gum disease can ruin the bones surrounding the teeth, making tooth extraction the only recourse. This condition is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.

In addition to keeping your teeth clean with brushing and flossing, you should also make certain to schedule regular visits with your dentist, generally twice per year. Finally, a balanced diet is important for dental hygiene–your teeth and gums need nutrients to remain strong and healthy. Limiting snacks between meals also cuts down on the amount of food particles that may become lodged between the teeth and beneath the gum line.

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