Tips for Optimal Oral healthcare
A dentist can help you achieve a healthy smile through preventive and restorative care, but you must implement good hygiene habits to keep it that way. To help you do so, below are some dental hygiene tips and tricks.
Brushing
The simplest, most essential tip for optimal oral health care is to brush your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session: this is easy to remember with the two-minutes, two-times rule. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and slow, controlled brushing. Roughly brushing with hard bristles can damage the enamel, and enamel is essential to the health of your teeth.
Flossing
Floss at least once a day, preferably before bed. Flossing at night ensures your mouth is clean while you sleep. We salivate less as we sleep, thus it’s important that the mouth be free of debris and germs.
Flossing can be time-consuming for people with braces or not enough time on their hands. Devices like floss and water picks can streamline the process and encourage you to do so on a daily basis.
Staying Hydrated
Your body needs adequate hydration for many reasons, one of them being your oral health. Fluid is a highly necessary component of bodily functions. A dehydrated body won’t salivate properly. Saliva is necessary to protect teeth enamel. Dehydration causes bad breath as well as cavities, gingivitis, and uncomfortable dry mouth.
Visiting Your Dentist
You should visit the dentist every six months at a minimum. During these appointments, a dental hygienist will perform a cleaning. Cleanings performed by professionals are more effective than those done at home. As well, your dentist will perform a check-up at this time. They will evaluate your soft tissues as well as the structure of your dentition, through x-rays.
Only a dental professional can catch developing complications early. Treating issues early can prevent the loss of your teeth from cavities or infection.
If you’d like more tips for maintaining your oral health, contact Dedham Dental Group. We pride ourselves on excellent patient education. Our staff is patient and friendly, and our dentists are compassionate, gentle people. Robert Harrington, DDS is invested in the health of his patients. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!