According to the National Institutes of Health, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children and adults. Gum disease affects 64.7 million persons in the United States and leads to tooth loss.
Keeping your teeth and gums clean and disease-free is known as oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintain good oral health and a healthy mouth. It is critical to have a healthy mouth as oral health can impact your overall health.
Tips for Practicing Oral Hygiene
- Brushing and flossing twice daily, using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- Visiting the dentist regularly, at least twice a year, for a thorough examination and cleaning as soon as the first tooth erupts
- Sugar consumption should be kept to a minimum to prevent the risk of cavities
- Sugared beverages (such as flavored drinks or soda/pop) should be avoided/limited
- Be aware that sugars are also present in fruit juice, formula, and milk (this goes for breast milk as well)
- Avoid having your baby go to bed with a bottle; sugary liquids in prolonged contact with teeth guarantee early-childhood decay, also called baby-bottle caries.
- Avoid risk factors for oral disease.
- Tobacco users and alcoholics have an increased risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
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