According to Dr. Travis Lee at Ocean Breeze Dental Care in West LA, healthy teeth and gums reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, contributing to overall health & wellbeing. It’s possible to maintain healthy teeth & gums for a lifetime with proper oral health care habits such as proper flossing, brushing & rinsing; healthy diet; hydration; regular dental check-ups & cleaning. The knowledgeable & compassionate dental professionals at Dr. Lee’s General & Cosmetic Dental Practice in West Los Angeles take the time to patiently demonstrate proper at-home oral health care habits as summarized below. Please contact our West Los Angeles office to learn more about restoring and maintaining your oral health.
Floss
You need to floss your teeth once a day for maintaining good dental and oral health. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. Excess food particles left in between your teeth can cause dental decay and cavities due to the bacteria in your mouth feeding on the food particles and releasing acids which can damage your teeth.
Brush
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, mainly in the morning and before you go to sleep. You can also brush your teeth post meals. Brushing your teeth helps to remove food particles and prevents accumulation and formation of plaque which can lead to tartar. Be gentle on your gums to avoid gum damage and make sure to properly brush front and rear teeth. Each brushing session should last for 2-3 minutes, and you should replace your toothbrush once in 3-4 months.
Rinse
Rinsing with a fluoride-based mouthwash helps in killing the bacteria in your mouth which causes plaque, bad breath, and gum disease. Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash for 30-60 seconds before or after brushing your teeth.
Eat Right & Stay Hydrated
Maintaining a healthy diet is important for good oral health and overall health & wellbeing. Look for foods that are high in calcium and phosphorus, such as green vegetables and nuts, as these minerals help protect the teeth enamel. Proper hydration and eating fruits & vegetables with high water content, such as apples and pears, helps stimulate the flow of saliva which helps protect against tooth decay. On the other hand, try to avoid consuming too much sugary food and beverages, such as sodas and candies, as these may lead to tooth decay.
Receive Regular Dental Check-ups & Cleaning
You should schedule a dental appointment at least once in six months for a regular dental check-up and a professional cleaning. Dental check-ups help in detecting any decay or gum disease in the early stages and treat them before it escalates. Professional cleaning helps in clearing accumulation of plaque within the mouth which is difficult to remove with at-home oral health care habits alone.
To schedule your next dental check-up appointment in Los Angeles, CA., contact Ocean Breeze Dental Care to have your teeth examined by Dr. Travis Lee. Dr. Lee has over 20-years experience in providing general and cosmetic dentistry treatments to help patients achieve oral health, contributing to their overall health & wellbeing.