Why Your Dental Hygiene is Important

Practicing a good dental hygiene routine is important for both aesthetic and health reasons.

The obvious visual benefit of good dental hygiene is a bright, healthy looking smile. But good dental hygiene is also integral in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to even more severe oral and general health problems.

The Bellevue, Washington, dentists at Cooley Smiles recommend a daily dental hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice every day. Brushing should be followed by flossing to help remove lingering food particles from hard-to-reach places between your teeth; these particles can contribute to plaque buildup, which in turn can be a factor in the development of tooth decay or periodontal disease.

After you brush your teeth and floss, you may want to rinse with an anticavity or antiseptic mouthwash. A good mouthwash will kill additional bacteria that play a role in bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.

Regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleanings are also important in maintaining good dental health. Without proper at-home and professional oral health care, tooth decay and gum disease can cause problems that affect your overall health as well as necessitate procedures such as root canals.

Please contact us at Cooley Smiles if you would like to learn more about the benefits of professional teeth cleanings or schedule your check-up with one of our Bellevue, Washington, dentists.