Oral Hygiene Checklist

You may not know, but if your dental health is in a poor state, it could have a negative impact on your overall health. Proper dental care simply entails brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. When you fail to make brushing and flossing a routine, plaque or tartar will accumulate on your teeth, which could initiate a series of potential dental issues.

To guard against many oral health problems that can affect your health, it is advisable to create an oral hygiene checklist that will ensure your oral cavity is always in good shape.

Oral Hygiene Checklist

The oral hygiene checklist listed below is essential for everybody, regardless of age. All you need to keep your oral health in the best condition is to abide by the proven guidelines suggested by dental experts. This will consequently have beneficial effects on your overall health.

Brushing

Brush the teeth in the morning and night just before bedtime using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Experts suggest you brush gently for at least two minutes to ensure that every tooth is meticulously clean from stain or food particles. You should also brush the tongue, (reaching to the back) for a few seconds to get rid of the bacteria that may accumulate on the tongue.

Flossing

Floss every time you eat. Although many suggest that flossing should be done once or twice daily, you should floss after each meal to get rid of any food particles that may be lurking in the teeth afterward.

See a Dentist

Book an appointment with a professional dentist every six months for a comprehensive oral checkup. During your meeting, you can ask the dentist about any concern you have about oral health. The dentist will also be able to diagnose any potential threat to your dental health. Deep cleaning is also done during the appointment to clean your tooth of any accumulated debris.

Hydration

Take enough fluids, preferably water, to keep your body well hydrated. Your mouth needs to be adequately hydrated to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent dry mouth.

Eat Right

Shun the consumption of unhealthy meals to keep your oral health in a good state. The main meal courses to avoid are foods containing lots of sugar or sticky snacks. Bacteria feed primarily on the sugar content in your mouth which could worsen any preexisting oral issue.

Keep Your Oral Hygiene In The Best Shape with These Tips

Sticky foods are hard to remove and are a common cause of tooth decay. Sugary drinks and meals are not healthy for your mouth.

Avoid smoking. This does not only discolor your teeth, but it could also put you at risk of oral cancer.

Be mindful of teeth grinding (bruxism). If you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping, you should include wearing a mouth guard in your checklist.

Rinse your mouth. Cleaning your mouth with a dental wash or antibacterial mouthwash is beneficial should be part of your oral hygiene. Ensure you swish the mouthwash for the period recommended to ensure that the bacteria are eliminated.

Do you need to see a dentist?

If you are already experiencing any form of dental issues, you should book an appointment immediately with a dentist to treat the problem. There are certain dental issues (including bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and inflamed gums) that cannot be solved by merely maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Request an appointment here: or call John M. Chaves, DDS at (818) 999-2707 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.