Oral Hygiene Tips From a Family Dentist

Most visits to a family dentist involve cleaning and treatments to prevent tooth and gum disease. Patients also can receive valuable tips that promote good oral hygiene at home.

Why is home care important?

Dental plaque can cause bacterial infections that may lead to tooth loss and systemic complications, such as heart disease. Although professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove hardened calculus and tartar on tooth surfaces and beyond the gum line, a good homecare routine can eliminate significant amounts of plaque before it hardens. 

What are helpful tips from a family dentist?

A family dentist can make lifestyle recommendations that impact oral hygiene and the entire body. Most of these tips have a significant impact but are not difficult to follow.  

Brush properly

Although most people know that daily brushing is essential for healthy teeth, many do not know how to do it correctly. According to the American Dental Association, individuals should angle a soft-bristled manual toothbrush at 45 degrees toward the inner and outer gum line and brush using a circular motion. Brush chewing surfaces by moving the brush back and forth. The total brushing time should be two minutes long.

Floss properly

Floss at least once per day by moving the floss between teeth in a gentle back-and-forth, semi-circular motion. Directing the floss slightly under the gum line removes plaque to prevent it from hardening in that vulnerable area.

Limit acid

Oranges, lemons, coffee, and wine are examples of acidic foods and beverages that can wear away tooth enamel over time. Rinsing the mouth with water after consuming them can wash away acidic residue, though limiting certain diet choices is even more helpful.

Limit sugar

Harmful bacteria in the mouth proliferate by feeding on sugar and cause cavities and gum disease or periodontitis. Limiting sugar intake, particularly between meals, reduces its presence on the surface of teeth. Dentists advise patients to prevent sugary beverages from washing over the teeth by using straws while drinking.

Include fluoride

The Center for Disease Control recommends that all individuals drink water containing fluoride and brush with a fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities. Dentists may also advise using a fluoride rinse and drinking purified, fluoride-rich tap water instead of bottled water that does not include this cavity-inhibiting ingredient.  

Avoid smoking

All dentists discourage patients from smoking. In addition to increasing the risk for oral cancer, smoking can promote tooth and gum disease by reducing saliva flow that helps wash away bacteria. Smoking also prohibits the efficacy of periodontal disease treatments by reducing adequate restorative blood flow to the gums. 

Address concerns immediately

Many people avoid visiting the dentist due to fear of painful and costly procedures. A family dentist's primary goal is to prevent oral health problems from manifesting and spreading. Patients can avoid unnecessary complications and procedures by seeking prompt treatment upon noticing the following symptoms:

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Painful chewing
• Headaches

Conclusion

Working in partnership with a family dentist and following some simple tips can help ensure a healthy mouth with teeth that last a lifetime. Practicing good oral hygiene also plays a critical role in ensuring general well-being.

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