What is good oral health?

Good oral health is easy when you follow three basic habits: brushing, flossing and eating healthy.

Brush your teeth.

• Brush at least twice a day.
• Use the right toothbrush for your mouth.
• Be sure to reach all the surfaces of your teeth and gums – it’s about how you brush, not how hard.
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the inside of your cheeks where bacteria can hide.

Why brush?
Removing food debris from your teeth ensures that sugar and acids don’t wear down the enamel on your teeth and cause tooth decay.

Floss regularly.

• Floss everyday to remove plaque and food debris your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Rinse your mouth after flossing.

Why floss?
Flossing not only removes tooth-decay causing plaque, it also removes the food debris that can cause bad breath and gum disease.

Eat a healthy diet.

• Limit sweets and soft drinks.
• Brush after meals and cut back on snacking.
• Drink water throughout the day to help rinse the mouth.
  

Why eat healthy?
Eating a well-balanced diet improves not only your oral health, but your overall health as well. Even aged cheeses can protect your teeth and provide your body with the calcium it needs to be strong!

Along with these healthy habits, be sure to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams, and let him or her know of any medical conditions you may have. Your dentist can help you manage oral problems that may result from these conditions.

If you experience any of the following, inform your dentist immediately:

• red, swollen or tender gums
• bleeding while brushing or flossing
• gums that pull away from the teeth and/or loose or separating teeth
• red, white or swollen areas in any part of your mouth
• persistent bad breath

Enjoy all of the information and tips in our dental health library.

Dental Emergencies
What to Do About a Toothache
What Should I Do If I Lose a Filling Or Crown?

Dental Health Topics
I Brush, Why Do I Have to Floss?
Amalgam Fillings - Tested and Approved
What to Do About Bad Breath
Can Cold Syrup Make Your Teeth Sick?
Caring for Your Toothbrush
A Berry-Good Weapon Against Tooth Decay

Oral Health and You
The Seven Eating Habits of Healthy Smiles
What Is Good Oral Health?
Oral Health and Your Overall Well-Being
Your Oral Health and Heart Disease
Your Oral Health and Diabetes
Your Oral Health and Pregnancy
Oral Health Infant to Teen
Oral Health: Senior Smiles
Preventive Oral Care for Everyone