​Hey there, pearly whites! Keep your teeth and gums as happy as can be with daily brushing and flossing. And don't forget to make time for check-ups with your dentist. With your commitment to preventative dentistry, your smile will glow and your oral health will shine bright like a diamond.

Let's chat about a pearly-white topic- Oral Hygiene! It's all about keeping your mouth in tip-top shape, free from pesky diseases. So, let's get brushing and flossing, and don't forget to see your dentist your check-ups, and cleaning.
Oral hygiene is a superhero of prevention! Think of it like a shield against pesky dental problems such as bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. By treating your teeth and gums like royalty, you can protect them from these robbers before they even think of showing up!
But wait, there's more! Did you know that your whole bod is also part of the club? You heard it right! If your mouth is home to an unwelcome guest (aka an infection), it could take a ride on your bloodstream and cause chaos in other corners of your body, like your heart and brain! So, don't slack on the brushing and flossing! Your whole body will thank you for it!

Research shows that gingivitis and periodontitis can contribute to certain health conditions.
These pesky mouth conditions can sneakily cause some serious health challenges, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even endocarditis, a fancy word for an infection of our heart's inner lining. And as if that wasn't enough, gum issues can even take the blame for pneumonia and pregnancy-related complications, like premature labor and low birth weight.
Conversely, there are certain health conditions that can have a negative impact on your teeth and gums, including:

• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Alzheimer’s disease

If you or a loved one is battling any of the conditions mentioned, check in with your dentist to learn how good dental hygiene can boost your whole-body wellness.

Listen up! Your mouth is trying to tell you something if you're experiencing any of these unpleasant symptoms:

• Bleeding gums.
• Tooth decay.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Loose teeth.
• Gum recession.
• Mouth sores that refuse to hit the road.
• Toothache.
• Swelling of the jaw.
• Gingivostomatitis - an infection of the mouth caused by certain bacteria or viruses.

A dazzling smile is a sign of good oral health. Want to keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape? Follow these simple oral hygiene rules:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. 
• Caring for your pearly whites is a breeze with these tips: go for fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your gums and enamel unscathed. When scrubbing, position your toothbrush at a jaunty 45-degree angle to your gums and give plaque and bacteria the boot. Remember to brush all areas of your teeth, including the tricky backs and sides!
• Floss once daily. 

Don't leave those stubborn gaps between your pearly whites uncared for! Brushing alone can't get the job done, so bring in the floss. Grab about 18 inches of the stringy stuff and loop each end on your middle fingers. Now dance that floss between two teeth using your thumbs and forefingers. Hug it tight around one tooth in a cute little C and give it a good scrub with about 10 up-and-down strokes. Shift to the other side of the C and repeat with the other tooth. Keep on shimmying that floss through all your teeth. If you're not a floss fan, fear not. You can also give interproximal brushes and dental picks a whirl. Just remember, while water flossers are aces at washing away food crumbs, they can't tackle that pesky biofilm. So, if you love your water flosser, make sure to give traditional floss some love too. ​​

• Brush your tongue.
• Don't Forget to Brush Your Tongue: It Holds More Bacteria Than You Think
  Did you know that your tongue harbours more bacteria than you'd expect? So, remember to brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You can use your toothbrush for this or invest in a tongue scraper from the oral health aisle.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash every day. 
• Want to smash those bad bacteria in your mouth? Pick up some antibacterial mouthwash! It's got the power to blast away food bits, beat down plaque, and keep those germs from setting up shop in your mouth. Just remember to opt for an alcohol-free formula to dodge the dreaded dry mouth.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Routine dental exams and cleanings are essential for good oral health. For most folks, twice-yearly dental checkups do the trick. However, if you're not the most cavity-free person or have gum issues, you might need to swing by more often.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.

Not only is it a major cause of gum disease, but it's also linked to oral cancer. Our advice? Just say no to these harmful products altogether. If you're currently a smoker and want to kick the habit, ask your healthcare provider about treatment options that can help you conquer your cravings.
Keep in mind, the tooth care routine that scores gold stars is the one you can rock every day. Swing by your dentist's office to score a customized dental care plan that suits your smile's needs.
​When it comes to snagging the perfect oral health goodies, keep your eyes peeled for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This shiny sticker means the American Dental Association has given it the green light, thanks to an army of top-notch scientists in fields like pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry, and toxicology giving it a thumbs up after some rigorous testing.
Of course, your pearly whites are unique, so it's worth asking your dentist for tailored advice on which products are a perfect match for you.

Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene has numerous advantages that go beyond just having clean teeth. These benefits include:

• Healthier teeth and gums
• A beautiful smile
• Fresher breath
• Reduced need for dental work, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, or dentures
• Lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health concerns
• Reduced risk of oral cancer
• A reduced risk of oral cancer.

Plus, taking care of those pearly whites early on won't leave you with a gaping hole in your wallet later. Preventative dental care is a wallet-friendly option compared to emergency or restorative dental care. So, keep up the good brushing habits and flossing routines. Your future self will thank you for the extra cash in your bank account!

The American Dental Association says, "Say aahhh!" at regular intervals chosen by your tooth guru to keep those pearly whites sparkling. Usually, every six months will do the trick, but if you're a cavity magnet or gum disease warrior, your dentist might want to see you more often. Folks with gum disease often visit their dentist every three to four months since the bacteria party hard in their mouths. So, don't be shy and ask your dentist what cleaning schedule is your perfect fit.

Don't neglect those pearly whites! If it's been longer than six months since your last dental cleaning, it's time to ring up your dentist and schedule a check-up. They'll inspect your teeth and gums and suggest a personalized plan of action.
But wait, there's more! If you're experiencing tooth pain, bleeding gums, or any funky mouth odor, don't hesitate to book a dental consultation. Harmful bacteria need to be zapped pronto! Remember, treating your oral health issues will not only give you a gleaming grin but also boost your overall health.
Give your pearly whites the love they deserve with proper oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and saying "ahh" at dental checkups are the secret ingredients for tip-top teeth and gums. Plus, your dentist can spot and zap any issues before they get out of hand. Want to know more about oral care? Chat with your dentist for expert tips and product suggestions.