Oral Hygiene Basics Vista, CA
Beyond brushing your teeth twice a day, you might not think much about oral hygiene basics. However, the leading causes of tooth loss in older adults are gum disease and tooth decay, which are both caused by poor oral hygiene. Oral hygiene basics, such as proper tooth brushing and flossing, can help prevent these conditions and many other common dental problems.
Dental care is available at Pearl Dental Group Specialty & General Dentistry in Vista and the surrounding area. Contact us at (760) 560-3169 to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral health is important for several reasons. First, oral health problems like gum disease can cause health problems in other parts of the body, including heart disease. It is especially important for pregnant women to take good care of their oral health: Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
It is hard to overstate the importance of good oral hygiene. Even for those who brush and floss their teeth properly, it is worth reviewing oral hygiene habits occasionally to make sure they are doing everything properly. Good oral hygiene involves consistent daily habits and the right products and regular appointments with a dentist. In addition, some family members, such as children and the elderly, may need special help with their oral hygiene.
Most patients will require a regular dental cleaning at least once every six months. This cleaning removes any bacteria and tartar that has accumulated between the teeth and gums. Patients with gum disease may require a deep cleaning, also known as root scaling and planing, to remove larger amounts of bacteria and tartar buildup.
“Oral health problems such as gum disease can cause health problems in other parts of the body, including heart disease.”
How to Properly Brush Teeth
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush their teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Brushing is crucial for removing plaque and bacteria buildup, which can both lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Poor brushing is almost as bad as not brushing at all. In order to remove bacteria and plaque, teeth need to be brushed for at least two minutes. Take the time to move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions, and make sure to clean all the surfaces of the teeth.
Proper flossing is also integral to a good oral hygiene routine. According to Healthline, patients should use 18 to 24 inches of dental floss, winding most of it around both middle fingers. Only about one to two inches of floss should be reserved for the teeth. Floss should be held taut between the thumbs and index fingers before being placed between the teeth. It should then be gently glided up and down. Patients should curve the floss at the base of the tooth, forming a C shape. A new, clean section of floss should be used for each tooth.
The mouth is full of bacteria. Proper brushing and flossing can keep these bacteria under control and keep them from causing any damage. But if hours or days pass between brushings, the bacteria can build up. When left in place too long, the bacteria start attacking the teeth.
“The mouth is full of bacteria. Proper brushing and flossing can keep these bacteria under control and keep them from causing any damage.”
What to Include in a Dental Care Routine
A dental care routine will depend on the individual's current oral health needs, but in general, most routines should include the following:
Brushing
Everyone should brush their teeth twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothbrush and toothpaste. The right toothbrush should have soft bristles to prevent damage to the gums and tooth enamel. When brushing, use a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste and move the brush against the teeth in a gentle circular motion. Move the toothbrush along the rows of the teeth at a 45-degree angle to brush at the gum line as well. Dental professionals recommend brushing for about two minutes. Make sure to get the top and bottom rows, as well as all surfaces of the teeth.
Flossing
After brushing the surface of the teeth, everyone needs to floss to clean the spaces between their teeth. Flossing should be done at least once a day to remove anything that may have gotten stuck between the teeth and reduce the possibility of buildup. To floss, hold a piece of dental floss tightly between the hands with the thumb and index finger. Gently slide the floss up and down between the teeth, curving it at the base of each tooth to get beneath the gum line.
Rinsing
After flossing, everyone should rinse with a dentist-approved mouthwash. Most mouthwashes will contain a small amount of fluoride to help keep the teeth healthy between regular dental checkups. Depending on the circumstances, the dentist may make a recommendation. Some people may need a mouthwash to help with bad breath, dry mouth, or gum disease. To rinse, follow the guidelines on the mouthwash bottle. Typically this means using a small amount of mouthwash poured into a clean cup to swish around the mouth for about a minute before spitting it out.
“A dental care routine will depend on current oral health needs.”
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How to Keep the Smile Healthy and Prevent Tooth Decay
Following a dental hygiene routine with at-home care and regular dental checkups will help keep the smile healthy and prevent tooth decay, but other things can be done as well. Certain foods and drinks, such as sodas and sugary sweets, can put the teeth at risk. The ingredients in these food items can attack the enamel on the teeth and weaken it, making them more susceptible to bacteria and decay.
Rather than eating and drinking sugary or acidic substances, everyone should try things like cheese, fruits, vegetables, and green and black teas. Cheese can combat erosion of the enamel, high-fiber fruits and vegetables can stimulate saliva production to help remove particles from the teeth, and certain teas combat bacteria that cause plaque. Plus, these healthy food items are good for the body, too, so while they are protecting the smile from tooth decay, they can give the body the nutrition it deserves.
“Following a dental hygiene routine with at-home care and regular dental checkups will help you keep the smile healthy and prevent tooth decay.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What should a home oral care routine include?
Q. How can a person's diet help with tooth decay?
Q. How does one maintain a healthy smile?
Q. Why is good oral hygiene important?
Q. How can I properly brush and floss my teeth?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. Why are dental cleanings important?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Health Practices for a Healthy Smile
If the goal is to have a healthy smile for life, then there are a number of things anyone can do to achieve that goal. The first and quite possibly most important thing to do is to stay in touch with the dental team. The dental professionals on this team will come to know each individual and their smile over time. They can provide guidance as the mouth ages and changes. To build and maintain this connection, regular dental checkups are important.
Dental checkups are normally recommended every six months, though some individuals may need them more often if they have a history of oral health concerns or gum disease. Between checkups, everyone should continue their at-home oral hygiene routine. While a checkup is a great way to remove the buildup of plaque and polish the teeth to protect them from bacteria, everyone needs to remove particles and bacteria daily to keep their smile healthy.
A daily routine should include brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash. The dentist may also recommend different or additional steps depending on the smile's health. Additional recommendations may include:
- Drinking fluoridated water
- Quitting smoking and other tobacco products
- Limiting alcoholic, caffeinated or sugary drinks
- Controlling other diseases that may affect the teeth
- Deep cleaning
“While a checkup is a great way to remove the buildup of plaque and polish the teeth to protect them from bacteria, everyone needs to remove particles and bacteria daily to keep their smile healthy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are regular dental visits important?
A. Regular dental checkups can help identify minor dental issues before they become more serious. Treatment is likely to be simpler when problems are caught early. For example, when tooth decay and gum disease are treated early, they can often be reversed before significant tooth damage occurs. Untreated gum disease and tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and other major problems.
Q. Do I still need to see a dentist if I'm not having any problems?
A. Yes. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, you can still have dental issues such as tartar buildup and tooth decay. A dentist will be able to identify these issues before they become more serious.
Q. What are some signs that I should see a dentist?
A. If you experience swollen or sensitive gums, bad breath, pain or swelling in your mouth, difficulty chewing, or sensitivity to hot or cold foods, contact a dentist. These symptoms may be an indication of something more serious.
Q. Why are dental X-rays necessary?
A. Dental X-rays help dentists see tooth problems, including cracks and tooth decay, that are not visible to the naked eye. Expect to have X-rays taken if you have not been to the dentist in a while. Your dentist will take as few X-rays as possible to limit your radiation exposure. Let your dentist know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, as pregnant women should not have X-rays taken.
Q. Is fluoride necessary for teeth?
A. Fluoride strengthens teeth while preventing decay. The American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alike agree that children should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing. It also benefits adults.
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Dental Terminology
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Before scheduling an appointment, be sure to make notes of any current at-home oral hygiene routines to be able to talk to the dental team about how to improve them. Scheduling an appointment and following through with dental checkups is a great start to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
When scheduling a dental appointment, take this time to make the dental team aware of any concerns and tell them if they need to take any steps to make the experience more enjoyable. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-560-3169 today!
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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