Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping the teeth and mouth clean to prevent oral health problems. Dr. Scott Wingard and Dr. Caleb 
Morris of Summerville Dentistry, with offices in Augusta and Evans, GA, offer a full range of family dental services. Here are five ways to keep your mouth healthy for life.
Brushing Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth once a day could leave you with cavities and gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Don't brush your teeth more than three times a day. Brushing your teeth too much can wear down your teeth's enamel and damage your gums.
Flossing Once a Day
Floss your teeth at least once a day. Use dental floss to clean the spaces between your teeth. Flossing allows you to reach deep between your teeth where the bristles cannot reach. By flossing your teeth every day, you lower your odds of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Chuck Your Toothbrush
Know when to chuck your toothbrush. Invest in a new standard toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric toothbrush every three months — or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Research shows that after three months of normal wear and tear, toothbrushes are less effective at removing plaque from gums and teeth compared to new ones.
Use Mouth Rinses
Using mouth rinses can make a positive impact on oral health, so individuals should consider adding it to their oral hygiene routines. Mouth rinses are used to freshen breath, help prevent tooth decay, reduce plaque and prevent gum disease. The use of mouth rinses does not eliminate the need for flossing and brushing.
Visit the Dentist
In order to maintain good oral health, schedule a dental appointment with your Augusta or Evans, GA, dentist. The ADA recommends that individuals see a dentist every six months for a dental checkup. Spend some quality time with your dentist and you'll catch oral health problems at an early stage when they're treatable.
Taking good care of your smile is a worthy goal in and of itself. Good oral hygiene can help prevent cavities and gum disease—and can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Call Summerville Dentistry in Evans, GA, at 706-303-8283, or Augusta, GA, at 706-738-4723, today to schedule your dental appointment. Regular visits to your dentist will get you on the road to good oral health.