Many people who visit the dentist want to know, “How can I improve my dental hygiene?” There are several answers to this common question. From visiting the dentist for cleanings and checkups to being diligent with oral hygiene at home, there are many things that you can do. These tips will help you to understand the do’s and don’ts of dental hygiene.
What Is Dental Hygiene?
When you hear or see the words “dental hygiene,” you want to know what is dental hygiene and why is it important. Dental hygiene refers to the things that you do to take care of your teeth. It includes brushing, flossing, using mouth rinse and having professional teeth cleanings with a dental hygienist. Your at-home dental hygiene is a key part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
How to Improve Dental Hygiene
When you need to know how to improve dental hygiene, your dentist and dental hygienist are invaluable resources. When you go in for a cleaning, ask the dental hygienist, “How can I improve my dental hygiene?” The hygienist and dentist can give you specific tips on what you can do based on your current dental health. You can also take action at home by doing these things every day:
- Brushing twice every day for two minutes each time
- Using a fluoridated toothpaste
- Flossing your teeth every day
- Reducing snacking and consumption of sugary foods
What Can Bad Dental Hygiene Lead to?
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of dental hygiene, you might want to know, “What can bad dental hygiene lead to?” The answer is a long list of problems that can develop in your mouth and throughout your body. Poor oral hygiene could cause you to develop:
- Bad breath
- Gum disease
- Loose teeth, which can lead to tooth loss
- Loss of bone mass in your jaws
- Bacterial infections and ulcers in your mouth
- Pregnancy complications
- Infections that spread into your blood and lungs
- Increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes
- Increased risk of dementia
