Though it may not seem like it, oral hygiene is always affecting you. You do not want to experience pain while you are eating or speaking. The good news is that it is never too late to start paying attention to your oral hygiene. There are benefits to maintaining oral hygiene including clean teeth that look attractive, gums that do not bleed or cause pain, and pleasant-smelling breath. It lets you eat foods you want without having any pain and to speak properly.
One of the first steps is to see a dentist once every six months for a cleaning. During a cleaning the dentist will remove plaque and tartar to prevent build up. Your teeth will also be brushed, flossed, and polished. These appointments prevent future dental problems.

Brushing your teeth two to three times a day is essential to achieving proper hygiene. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are helpful. It is best to brush in a circular motion and pay attention to the gum line. It’s important to brush your tongue, which removes bacteria and dead cells. Flossing once a day prevents tooth decay and cavities. Flossing requires you to wrap the thread of the floss around a thumb and finger on each hand and moving it between each tooth. It’s normal to experience bleeding at first.

Even maintaining a balanced diet can help keep your teeth in good shape. Eating foods with Vitamins B and C promote healthy gums. Magnesium, Zinc, water, Calcium, and Phosphate are also beneficial. There are also foods to avoid – sugars, starches, and acids. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and regular vomiting are detrimental to oral hygiene.

There are consequences to avoiding the dentist and neglecting to brush your teeth. Your teeth and gums will likely experience pain. If you have to have additional dental work, it can be expensive and a nuisance to continue returning for additional appointments. You might have cavities, gingivitis, tooth loss, or gum diseases. By keeping your teeth and gums in excellent shape you will never have to deal with these consequences.