Oral hygiene is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing for people of all ages. Maintaining a healthy mouth allows you to enjoy your food, chew effectively, speak clearly, and feel confident with fresh breath! Good oral health also helps prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss – issues that can significantly affect your quality of life.
The benefits of good oral hygiene can extend far beyond the mouth. Research continues to show strong links between oral health and overall physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. So, let’s talk about how to keep your mouth healthy!
Brushing your teeth
Brushing your teeth removes dental plaque – a sticky, colorless film of bacteria on the surface of your teeth that can irritate your gums. Some tips for good brushing include:
- Use toothpaste with fluoride
- Angle the bristles toward the gumline so they clean between the gums and teeth
- Brush gently using small, circular motions
- Don’t scrub hard back and forth across your teeth
- Brush all sides of each tooth
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and help maintain fresh breath
Flossing
Flossing removes dental plaque between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. If plaque isn’t removed, it can build up and cause tooth decay or gum disease. Some expert flossing tips include:
- Use a string of floss about one foot long and wrap it around the middle finger of each hand
- Grip the floss between the thumb and index finger
- Ease the floss gently between the teeth until it reaches the gumline
- Curve the floss like the letter “C” around each tooth and slide it up and down
- Adjust the floss a little as you move from tooth to tooth
- Be sure to floss all your teeth, including each side of the backs of your last teeth
- If needed, use flossing tools like a floss holder, floss threader, water flosser, or interdental brush
Oral hygiene for kids
Oral hygiene should be a regular part of your child’s healthcare routine. Begin brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day as soon as their first tooth begins to show. Some helpful tips for brushing your child’s teeth include:
- Brush after their first and last meal of the day
- Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles
- For children under age 3, use a drop of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice
- For children ages 3 to 6, use a drop of toothpaste the size of a pea
- Gently brush your child’s teeth using small circles
- Brush all sides of the teeth
- If you are having trouble or your child is becoming antsy, use a timer, a counting game, a song, or a video to make brushing more enjoyable
- Once they are comfortable, let your child brush their own teeth while you supervise
- Take your child to the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the inflammation and infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing frequently. Symptoms may include:
- Reddish or purplish gums
- Gum bleeding
- Soreness
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste
- Pain when chewing
- Gum recession (gums pulling away from your teeth)
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
Your dentist will be able to tell if you have gum disease during a routine exam. Gingivitis, the first stage, is totally curable, and the more advanced stages of gum disease can be managed with regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene.
What you need to know
Brushing, flossing, and having regular dental check-ups are the best ways to keep your mouth in the best health. Regular exams can identify any dental problems early, before they cause unnecessary pain or infection.
Preventive dental visits are painless and can help you avoid more costly treatment. For your dental visits, make sure to bring a list of your current medications, known allergies, and any insurance or billing information.
Don’t delay and schedule your next dental visit at Sun River Health today! To find a Sun River Health location near you, visit sunriver.org.
About Sun River Health: Sun River Health is a network of 48 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing primary, dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health care to over 250,000 patients annually. With a dedicated staff of 2,000 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most. Sun River Health started in 1975 when four African American mothers started efforts to open our first health center in Peekskill, New York to deliver accessible, high-quality, affordable health care services to patients in need – no matter their race, religion, income, or insurance status. Today, after more than 45 years of service, Sun River Health is still delivering on that promise to communities across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. For more information, visit sunriver.org
