Maintaining excellent oral health is a very attainable goal, all it takes is practicing a couple of oral hygiene activities on a regular basis. The three keys to oral health in Florida are brushing, flossing and regular visits to a dentist. These three activities will help in the prevention of plaque buildup, help to prevent cavities and gum disease. Avoiding foods which contain a great deal of sugar can also help as sugar along with poor maintenance is the root cause of tooth decay.
The first step towards healthy teeth and healthy gums is brushing on a regular basis. Dentists highly recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day; they also state that brushing after every meal is better. The entire exposed surface of the teeth must be brushed, it is not enough to only focus on the visible portion, brush front and back and right to the gum line. Use a tooth brush with a soft to medium bristle; do not press hard on the brush, use gentle, circular motions. Use floss to clean between the teeth, forcing the brush between the teeth can wear the tooth’s protective enamel surface.
Good oral health in Florida includes the tongue. The tongue is home to bacteria which are the cause of bad breath. Use your toothbrush; gently brush the surface of the tongue.
It is important to floss. Floss is instrumental in removing the buildup of plaque and tartar that forms between the teeth, this area is difficult to clean with a brush. When flossing, be careful not to injure your gums to the point where they will bleed. The proper motion when flossing is to slowly run the floss along the side of every tooth, use a gentle up and down motion. Don’t be stingy with the floss, use enough to floss every tooth properly. Once you have properly brushed and flossed you may wish to gargle with a mouthwash which will keep your breath sweet for a number of hours.
Brushing and flossing are daily routines but good oral health in Florida also requires that you visit the dentist every six months for a complete checkup and professional cleaning. The dentist uses this opportunity to see if there are any unattended cavities or if there is evidence of gum disease. Although regular checkups are an integral part of good oral health, if your gums should begin bleeding or you get a tooth ache do not wait for your next appointment, arrange to see the dentist as soon as possible.
Good oral health in Florida is not hard but it will result in healthy teeth and gums, a beautiful smile and fresh breath.
Maintaining excellent oral health in Florida is an important part of overall health. The Florida Institute for Health Innovation is dedicated to improving community health through collaborative change and effective innovation.
