Oral hygiene is so important for people of all ages. If you don't already, you should be visiting a dental office twice annually for a routine cleaning, according to our team. Aside from visiting the dentist, there are many things you can do in your everyday life to keep your teeth and gums in good health. Here are a few common suggestions dentists make to protect your oral hygiene.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Brushing your teeth is the best thing you can do to keep them in good shape. It cleans bacteria from your mouth and protects the enamel on your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, children and adults should brush their teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time. This will also prevent cavities from forming. Not only do cavities damage your teeth, but the cost to fill cavities can be expensive.

Floss Often

It is also highly recommended that people floss daily. Many people only floss casually, or they simply don't floss at all. However, flossing can help protect gum health and keep your gums from getting swollen or infected. Flossing should be done more frequently than to remove food particles. It's important to incorporate it into your daily routine, such as after brushing your teeth at night.

Drink Water With Fluoride

Fluoride has been known to benefit the health of your teeth since it has enamel-protecting properties. Enamel is the hard outer surface that protects each of your teeth. By strengthening your enamel, you are strengthening your full set of teeth. It's important to note that enamel cannot grow back, so you must protect it as soon as you can. This is especially important for kids, and many pediatric dentists would suggest fluoride to protect children's teeth as soon as they begin to grow.

Avoid Tobacco Products

Lastly, tobacco is known for its many harmful effects on the body and lungs, but many people may not realize just how damaging it can be to your teeth and mouth. Tobacco products are known to cause yellowing and decaying of the teeth, as well as gum diseases and even mouth cancer. If you truly want to care for your oral hygiene, it's best to avoid using any products that contain tobacco.

Taking care of your oral hygiene is a big part of living a healthier lifestyle. If you are interested in learning more about hygienic and cosmetic dentistry, contact Campos Family Dental today.