Do you have good oral hygiene habits? If you do, they’ll show up at your regular oral exam and cleaning appointments at First Dental. Plaque- and tartar-free teeth and gums experience less decay and gum disease (periodontitis). Plus, when your mouth is clean, your breath smells fresh, and you just feel confident when speaking face-to-face with another person. What are the best oral hygiene habits? Find out from your Somerville dentist, Dr. Farshad Ghobbeh at First Dental which has offices in Somerville and Medford, MA. He and his dedicated team of professionals will assist you in developing a tooth-friendly lifestyle.
What’s the point of oral hygiene?
When the American Dental Association (ADA) says to brush twice a day and floss once a day, it’s not trying to sell more toothbrushes and flossers. No, these professionals understand that just two minutes twice a day helps remove sticky plaque and prevent hard tartar formation. Both “biofilms” contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and ultimately, dental abscess and tooth loss.
Additionally, the ADA encourages you to see your dentist in Somerville regularly. Dr. Ghobbeh and the staff at First Dental provide a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments, and they agree that six-month check-ups and hygienic cleanings support your at-home care, keeping your smile strong and bright.
Tips for good oral hygiene
So, yes, you brush and floss as you should, and you keep your semi-annual appointments with Dr. Ghobbeh. What else should you be doing? Here are some tips the team at First Dental teaches patients.
- Drink plenty of water every day. What’s the benefit? Water rinses food off your teeth and gums, and it controls the dry mouth, or xerostomia, a contributor to tooth decay. Water also increases antibacterial saliva.
- Watch your intake of carbs and processed sugars. Oral bacteria love them. Try instead to eat more fiber, calcium-rich foods (dairy), and low-fat protein. How is this related to good oral hygiene? A sensible diet makes brushing and flossing more effective.
- Regarding flossing, use a product you really like. It will make the habit easier to keep. If it’s waxed floss, use that. If you prefer Y-shaped flossers, use those. The point is to floss every day, preferably at bedtime.
- Brush your tongue, or use a commercial tongue cleaner. Your bumpy tongue holds bacteria, leading to bad breath.
- Pay attention to your teeth and gums every day. Look at them in the bathroom mirror. If you see any changes in the soft oral tissues, notice a crack in a tooth or see a gap opening between two teeth, call First Dental for an appointment.
Partner with us
Your Somerville dentist wants to help you achieve your best oral hygiene habits and your healthiest smile. For a routine appointment, please contact Dr. Ghobbeh and his team at First Dental today. In Somerville, call (617) 623-8489, and in Medford, phone (781) 395-0300.