Not everyone needs a movie-star perfect smile, but most of us want to smile confidently — without feeling self-conscious about our teeth. Good oral hygiene is the most critical factor in achieving a fantastic smile.

In addition, poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check-ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

Here is a list of some tips you can take to improve your oral hygiene. .

• Use the proper brushing technique. When brushing your teeth, position the bristles at an angle of 45 degrees near the gum line. Both the gum line and the tooth surface should be in contact with the bristles. Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth using a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. Harsh brushing isn’t better! Make sure you brush gently in order to avoid bleeding. To clean the inside surfaces of the teeth and gums, place the bristles at a 45-degree angle again and repeat the back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. Lastly, brush the surfaces of your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Brush at least twice a day to prevent acid buildup from the breakdown of food by bacteria.
• Floss and use mouthwash. Flossing allows you to reach deep between your teeth, removing food particles that brushing cannot. We recommend flossing at least once a day. (Read our Top Flossing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.) Mouthwash is not necessary and not all mouthwashes are useful, but some can help kill excessive bacteria and make your mouth feel fresh.
• Avoid tobacco and limit soda, coffee, and alcohol. Limiting certain beverages and products will be a big favor to your teeth. You probably know tobacco can cause oral cancer and periodontal complications. But by avoiding tobacco you also save yourself from the countless ill effects caused by the agents used to mask the smell, such as constant gum chewing. Meanwhile, soda, coffee, and alcohol contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth. But too much phosphorous can deplete the body’s level of calcium. Low calcium causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discolored.

If you follow these tips, your dental hygienist the Dental Care Center will be pleased to see you. Contact us to schedule your next cleaning.