Dr. Doniger explains that there are four steps to follow for good oral health hygiene:
- Brush: Brushing is essential for cleaning your teeth and gums effectively. Make sure your toothbrush is at a 45-degree angle to the gum where bacteria and food debris live, moving the brush in short strokes so as not to scrub off the enamel or gums. Toothbrushes with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles are recommended and should be replaced every 3 to 4 months.
- Floss: This is one of those things that we often forget to do, but flossing serves as an essential factor in removing bacterial plaque between teeth and the gum line.
- Rinse: Rinsing properly with water or mouthwash helps maintain good oral health as it reduces bacteria in the rest of the mouth.
- Chew Sugar-free gum: Helps increase the production of saliva flow, which helps flush out food debris after each meal. It’s also a good idea to rinse after chewing gum that way you flush out anything the gum didn’t catch.
It’s very important to visit your dentist at least once a year or more, depending on what your dentist recommends. “Trends show that there is a generational gap when it comes to routine dentist visits,” explains Dr. Doniger. Baby Boomers are more likely to visit the dentist than GenXers and Millennials, and research shows that it’s not a priority for younger generations, since adults ages 20-34 are more likely to avoid the dentist for 2 to 3 years. “General visits should be a priority, since many diseases, such as diabetes and oral cancer may be seen in the mouth first,” she says.
