Oral hygiene is such a basic part of our everyday routine that it’s easy to gradually fall into bad habits. After all, you figure you must be doing everything right as long as your teeth look okay and you’re not in any discomfort.
But many of us come to find out the hard way that things are always going on with your teeth, and very often they’re not apparent to you. Cavities, gum disease, stains, and tooth decay are just some of the problems that can be caused by improper oral hygiene.
Oral Hygiene Tips From The Pros
At Deep River Dentistry, we focus on preventive treatments that promote excellent oral health. That’s why we want to remind you of the simple steps that make up a really thorough, effective oral hygiene routine.
Brush at least two times per day and floss daily. This helps prevent the buildup of harmful plaque and bacteria on your teeth and in your mouth. Plaque can cause the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, and can also lead to tooth decay. As we say, “only brush and floss the ones you want to keep!”
Choose a good toothbrush and replace it every two to three months. Changing your toothbrush keeps the bristles on your toothbrush firm and more effective
for eliminating plaque. That old, worn out toothbrush really isn't doing much to clean your teeth, and it could actually be collecting bacteria, so change it often.
Do not use toothpicks or other harmful objects. Toothpicks and other pointy objects have long been used to clear away food debris from between teeth. But you need to know that they can inflame, irritate, or cut your gums, which may lead to infection or gum disease. Ask your hygienist to recommend the appropriate dental tool to keep your teeth free of this type of buildup.
Schedule professionally cleanings at least every six months. A cleaning at your dentist’s office is much more thorough than your daily brushing, and it also gives us a chance to make sure you aren't showing any signs of dental problems. If you use tobacco, you should have your teeth cleaned every three months to reduce the appearance of stains.
Report any problems or unusual discomfort to your dentist immediately. Many dental problems are not apparent until they’ve reached advanced stages. Common issues that are often overlooked are increased sensitivity to temperature, toothaches, puffy or red gums, and sensitivity to pressure or chewing. These should be reported to your dentist as soon as possible to prevent serious damage to your oral health.
Look at it this way – regular professional cleanings and exams are important, but prevention really starts at home with an effective oral hygiene routine. Isn’t it worth 20 minutes out of your day to prevent serious oral health problems from developing? It’s easy, and the rewards are healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.
Please give us a call to schedule an appointment for your regular professional cleaning The hygienists at Deep River Dentistry have helped many of our patients get their oral hygiene routine back on track, and they look forward to helping you!