Dental Hygiene

Developing consistent hygiene habits is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. A healthy mouth will not only help you look and feel your best – it will also make it possible to eat and speak properly.

Good oral health is incredibly important. That is why at Champaign Dental Group, we are committed to educating our patients on preventative practices and oral hygiene habits.

Why Is Dental Hygiene So Important?

Your oral health doesn’t affect just your mouth – it affects your entire body’s well-being. Without good hygiene habits, oral health conditions are more likely to develop. Over time, these conditions may worsen and lead to complications in other parts of your body.

Gum disease, for instance, has been linked to a variety of other health issues. This condition can make diabetes harder to control, can cause inflammation in the arteries, and can increase a pregnant mother’s risk of preterm delivery.

Daily preventative care can help stop these problems before they have a chance to develop. To learn more about the importance of dental hygiene, read our comprehensive guide.

What Can I Do to Keep My Mouth Healthy?

Between visits to your dentist, it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene. There are a variety of simple steps you can take to keep your mouth healthy and decrease your risk of dental health problems.

These steps include:

• Brushing thoroughly twice a day
• Flossing daily
• Using dental products that contain fluoride
• Getting a new toothbrush every few months
• Eating a balanced diet
• Limiting between-meal snacks
• Making sure children under 12 intake an appropriate level of fluoride

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone. These steps are important to follow at every age. Those with dentures, implants, and other dental work should also follow these guidelines to maintain their dental health.

How Do I Know If My Mouth Is Healthy?

It is easy to tell if you have good oral hygiene.

First, your teeth will appear clean and free of debris. If you have a visible build-up of plaque and tartar, it may be time to call your dentist.

Another sign is the color of your gums. Healthy gums will be pink and will not hurt when you brush or floss. Unhealthy gums will appear inflamed and may bleed when touched.

Something else to consider is your breath. Chronic bad breath is often a sign of deeper, more serious oral health issues and should never be ignored.

I Take Good Care of My Teeth – Should I Still See My Dentist?

Absolutely! While daily maintenance is a key part of staying healthy, you should still visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam.
During your exam, your skilled dentist and hygienist will be able to look for signs of underlying problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Identifying these issues early can save you considerable amounts of time, money, and discomfort.

To learn more about dental hygiene and preventative care, call our office at 937-653-8650. We would be happy to answer any questions or schedule a consultation with you!

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