Barbara Young DDS | Dentist in San Diego, CA

We all know that we must brush and floss daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, there are additional tips that can benefit your overall health. Please read below for our ten oral health tips.

#1 Practice Good Oral Hygiene 

Good at-home dental hygiene is essential for healthy teeth. To help remove plaque and bacteria, brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush for two minutes twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste and small circular motions to avoid damaging your gums. Don’t forget to thoroughly brush your tongue to fight bad breath. 

#2 Floss Once a Day

Floss nightly to remove anything your toothbrush may be unable to dislodge. Please don’t skip this vital step, as it will leave small food particles that can eventually decay and cause oral health problems. 

#3 Regularly Replace Your Toothbrush

Old, frayed toothbrushes don’t clean the tooth’s surface correctly and can damage your gums. On average, you will need to change your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months.

#4 Six-Month Exams

Dental visits every six months will allow your dentist in San Diego to catch issues in your mouth before they take hold. During this visit, you will benefit from professional teeth cleaning to remove any buildup and end with a buff and polish for teeth that sparkle.

#5 Eat a Healthy Diet

Avoiding foods and drinks that are highly processed and laden with sugars plays a massive role in long-term dental health. Include foods high in calcium to support strong, healthy teeth, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese. 

#6 Additional Dental Aids

Besides brushing and flossing, additional things can help keep your teeth in top condition. Consider using supplemental aids like mouthwash, oral irrigators, and tongue cleaners. You should use these products in addition to regular brushing and flossing.

#7 Stay Hydrated 

Staying hydrated eliminates dry mouth and helps maintain healthy saliva flow by moving food particles. It prevents food from sticking between your teeth, where bacteria can grow. 

#8 Stop Smoking

Smoking stains teeth and causes severe health issues like gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Care for your teeth and overall health, and quit smoking immediately.

#9 Dental Sealants

Dental sealants fill in the grooves of the top of your molars to protect your teeth from cavities. Children and teens are good candidates for sealants as they often don’t brush as thoroughly as adults.

#10 Self Examine 

While regular checkups with your dentist in San Diego are an excellent preventive measure, issues can develop. Quickly scan your mouth as part of your oral hygiene routine. If anything seems unusual, share this information with your dentist.

Visit Barbara Young, DDS | San Diego Dental

Some consider Barbara Young, DDS, the best dentist in San Diego. She is an expert in her field of dentistry and has many years of experience. Her team is here to guide you with the best dental care and help you maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. 

Ask us about other dental services such as cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, or dental implants. Schedule an appointment today.