For many that lead busy professional and personal lifestyles, maintaining a clean slate of oral health can often seem like a challenge. A strong oral hygiene routine, however, can be the difference between great oral health and the need for costly dental procedures down the road.

As an oral health professional, Donovan Browning DDS knows how important it is to make time for basic hygienic behaviors, basic actions that can help to prevent pain, disease and tooth loss in the future. Donovan Browning provides some helpful hygiene tips below, basic behaviors he believes can help to greatly reduce the possibilities of gum disease, tooth loss and tooth discoloration.

Regular Brushing Is Essential

By now, says Donovan Browning DDS, most people are at least aware of the importance of brushing, yet often times people will skip on their regular brushing routine for the sake of convenience and time. Brushing at least twice a day, says Donovan Browning DDS, is more than just a dental axiom, it is essential to removing the bacteria that accumulate, leading to the development of plaque, gum disease and even tooth loss. Be sure to set aside time every morning and evening to thoroughly brush your teeth, both inside and out. Adherence to a strict brushing schedule is crucial to the foundation of good oral health.

Don’t Forget Flossing

It’s not often enough to brush, says Donovan Browning DDS, mainly because many of the things you consume leave bacteria in the places a toothbrush just can’t reach. Regular flossing is a great supplement to brushing, and helps to remove the germs and plaque from in between your gums and teeth, helping to further prevent the possibility of gum disease, or the potential for root canals and other procedures in the future.

Antimicrobial Rinse

Rinsing your mouth out with an antimicrobial mouthwash, says Donovan Browning DDS, takes good oral health practices a step further, helping to kill even more of the plaque and bacteria that may have been missed during brushing and flossing. Before selecting or using a suitable mouthwash, says Donovan Browning DDS, be sure to consult with a dental professional to determine if the rinse is right for you.