Oral Hygiene
You know visiting a dentist is important, but you probably only spend a few hours a year at a dentist’s office. During the rest of the year, your dental care is up to you.

Here are some oral hygiene instruction tips from our Pittsburgh, PA dental office that will help you maintain a healthy mouth and avoid dental problems.

Create an Oral Health Routine
The main oral hygiene instruction from most dentists is to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. When you brush and floss regularly, you remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

If you have any medical conditions or take medications, you may need to adjust your dental health routine. Pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer treatments can all affect your oral health. If you have any medical conditions, be diligent about maintaining your oral health routine. Ask your Pittsburgh, PA dentist for special oral hygiene instruction for these conditions.

Eat a Healthy Diet
Most Pittsburgh, PA residents remember to brush their teeth, but they may neglect one of the most important oral health practices: nutrition.

Avoid foods that contain starches and sugars, such as desserts, chips, candy, and soft drinks. These foods cause tooth decay.

Instead, eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods. Leafy greens, milk, fish, and eggs give your teeth vitamins and minerals that build tooth enamel and prevent decay.

Stop Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Tobacco increases your risk of oral cancer and gum disease. It also gives you bad breath and discolors your teeth. The longer you wait to quit smoking, the greater risk you have of developing dental problems.

Start cutting back now until you get to the point where you can quit completely. To get tips on quitting, reach out for help from your doctor.

Use Fluoride
Fluoride is a powerful mineral that helps reduce tooth decay. Many water supplies contain fluoride—but perhaps not enough.

Many toothpastes contain fluoride. If you don’t get enough fluoride from your water and toothpaste alone, your dentist might recommend a fluoride supplement.

Examine Your Teeth
Even if you practice good oral hygiene, you could still develop dental problems. Check your mouth and teeth frequently to catch any problems in their early stages. Pay attention to:
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Tooth pain
  • Changes in your bite
  • Spots, cuts, or growths on your tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, and your mouth’s roof and floor
If you notice any of these problems, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Partner With Your Dentist
The most important oral hygiene instruction to ensure healthy teeth and gums is to visit your Pittsburgh, PA dentist twice a year. If you have any questions about your dental health, don't hesitate to ask your dentist.

Follow these oral hygiene instruction tips for healthier teeth. If it’s time for your dental appointment, contact our Pittsburgh, PA dentist!
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