Maintaining healthy teeth requires more than just occasional visits to the family dentist. Every dentist wants to find each patient’s teeth in tip-top condition during cleanings, so it is critical that patients practice excellent oral hygiene habits at home. These practices can prevent oral problems like tooth decay, tooth instability, and gum disease.
Once baby teeth are lost and adult teeth grow in, no other natural replacements exist if they become damaged. This means everyone must take good care of their adult teeth for decades. If plaque or tartar builds up around teeth, patients could suffer from gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, and even issues with the jaw muscles and bone. Daily oral hygiene might seem like a hassle, but it can preserve a smile for years to come.
Oral hygiene is not something that can be done once in a while. It requires lifelong dedication, and patients who actively implement it into their daily routines are less likely to face oral complications throughout life. Consider asking a dentist about what other habits can be applied to a routine in a future checkup. Here are a few to get patients started on the right path.
Brushing teeth twice a day is incredibly important. Plaque only needs 12 hours to reform after a brushing, so brushing a second time during the day can make a significant difference in terms of teeth cleanliness. How a patient brushes also matters. Those with children should ask the family dentist to show exactly how to move the toothbrush in the mouth so that the bristles reach all areas. Each brushing session should last at least two minutes for it to have lasting effects.
Flossing should always go hand in hand with brushing because it reaches tooth surfaces that a toothbrush cannot. Plaque can build just as easily in between teeth, and floss removes excess food that may be stuck and harboring harmful bacteria. Floss at least once at the end of the day to eliminate any hidden debris.
Mouthwash is the final piece of an excellent daily hygiene routine. While brushing and flossing cover most areas of the mouth, patients may still find they suffer from bad breath or relentless bacteria. Mouthwash can sweep bacteria away from all areas of the mouth, especially those that patients may not be able to see in the mirror. It can also strengthen and protect enamel, the outer layer of the teeth.
Though patients may only go twice a year, keeping up on those dental appointments is one of the only ways to identify problems before they manifest into serious issues. If patients have maintained daily oral hygiene habits, seeing a family dentist should be a breeze.
Consider asking a dentist about what type of toothpaste to buy or how fluoride levels in tap water affect teeth health. A family dentist can answer these questions and provide more tips on oral hygeine.
Request an appointment here: https://smilowfamilydentistry.com or call Smilow Family Dentistry, P.C. at (973) 379-2202 for an appointment in our Springfield Township office.
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