Most people realize that the cornerstone of their good dental health lies in how well they practice dental hygiene at home. However, consistency is just as important quality. No matter how effective your brushing and flossing routine is, it will only work if you do it at least twice every day. Because it’s the most important part of your preventive dental routine, your hygiene can also become your smile’s greatest vulnerability. To prevent this from happening, we offer some advice to our North Hollywood, CA, patients on how to improve simple daily hygiene practices.

Watch how you brush and floss

The point of brushing and flossing your teeth is to thoroughly clean them of harmful oral bacteria and food particles, which form plaque and cling to your teeth’s surfaces throughout the day. These substances are the leading causes of tooth decay, gum disease, chronic bad breath, and more. Therefore, it’s important to brush and floss in front a mirror so you can be sure that you don’t miss a spot.

Oral bacteria eat, too

The reason oral bacteria are dangerous is because they metabolize the nutrients that are found in your food and beverages. Every time you eat or drink something, oral bacteria consume it, too. As they do, some of them convert these nutrients (such as sugar) into acids that specifically target your tooth structures and gum tissues. To limit the amount of substances they produce, limit how often you snack throughout the day, and brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after each meal or snack.

You need your dentist’s help

Besides keeping your hygiene practices on point at home, you also need your dentist’s help to successfully keep oral bacteria from endangering your smile. For example, plaque can quickly calcify into tartar, and when it does, your toothpaste and water can’t remove it. Instead, your dentist or hygienist will have to clean it off using professional dental equipment.

Learn More About Protecting Your Smile Better

Improving your hygiene improves your chances of preserving your healthy, natural smile without needing more extensive dental treatment later. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.