Clean and strong teeth begin with the best oral hygiene routine, as the look and feel of your pearly whites depends solely on the various techniques used to care of them. What results from outstanding habits is usually a mouth that looks and smells healthy, is full of clean and debris-free teeth, and contains vibrantly pink gums that do not bleed.
Because oral health is vitally important to your overall well-being, keeping the best oral hygiene routine will not only enable you to look and feel great, but make it possible to eat and speak properly as well. Practicing daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, helps stop problems before they develop. It is also much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating certain conditions that may have otherwise been prevented but instead progressed over time.
In addition to regular visits to the dentist, there are several easy steps that can be taken to decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. These are the right techniques and steps to follow to ensure correct oral health.
Brushing
Oral health begins with clean teeth– so be sure to keep the tooth surfaces and the areas where the teeth meet the gums extremely clean to hinder gum disease and to help stave off cavities.
The American Dental Association advises to brush twice daily while implementing the following:
• Fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrushes that fit comfortably in your mouth
• Practice good techniques including brushing on the outside, inside, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth, as well as the tongue
• Keep all tools clean and bacteria free
• Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for electric or battery-operated toothbrushes every three to four months
Flossing
Since it is not possible to fully reach the tight spaces between the teeth and under the gum line with merely a toothbrush, daily flossing is important. When flossing, remember always to be gentle, to break off at least 18 inches (46 centimeters) of dental floss, to take one tooth at a time by sliding the floss carefully into spaces between the gum and tooth, and to consider using other tools like dental picks, pre-threaded flossers, water flossers, or a silicone plaque remover.
Mouthwash
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, consider using mouthwash containing fluoride to promote oral health.
Also, resist the temptation to use toothpicks or other objects that could injure your gums and let bacteria into the mouth.
Be Aware of Signs or Symptoms
To prevent gum disease and other oral health problems, schedule regular dental cleanings and exams. In the meantime, contact your dentist immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms that could suggest oral health problems, such as:
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Gums that begin pulling away from your teeth
• Loose permanent teeth
• Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth align with each other
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold
• Red, tender, or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth
• Changes in the way your dentures or partial dentures fit
• Mouth ulcers or sores that don’t heal
Keep in mind that early detection and treatment of problems with gums, teeth, and mouth-related issues often ensures an entire lifetime of good oral health and hygiene.
Whether you’re having trouble finding a suitable dental physician, have more questions about maintaining the best oral hygiene routine, or want to actually perform a dental procedure, outstanding dental advice and care can be offered by Dr. David S. Kao’s office to provide you with the gorgeous, memorable smile you desire. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and to boost both your smile and your confidence.
