Despite what many people think, a general dentist wants to see strong, healthy teeth when patients come into the office. Dentists are, in fact, the most prominent champions of clean and cavity-free teeth; they work to educate patients and community members about proper oral care techniques and cleaning practices. With the right level of care, patients can maintain healthy teeth, avoid cavities and gum disease, and preserve overall health. However, many people are still unsure about what, exactly, they should be doing at home between professional cleanings.
Proper dental cleaning is not difficult to achieve. The following tips from general dentists are designed to help patients maintain clean healthy teeth with minimal effort.
Not all toothbrushes are built the same. The right one for each person largely depends on overall dental health and the condition of teeth and gums. Keep in mind that soft bristles are sufficient to remove plaque and buildup. Small or angled brush heads help patients reach into the very back to get molars and wisdom teeth, and electric toothbrushes can encourage less pressure during the brushing process.
There is no need to scour teeth during brushing. Instead, patients should brush gently and watch the progress in a mirror to see bits of food getting removed to ensure that each tooth gets thoroughly cleaned and none get overlooked. Dental floss or a water pick device can be used to remove stubborn pieces stuck between teeth.
While brushing after every meal and snack is the ideal, it is not always possible. For times when getting to a toothbrush is not an option, rinsing with plain water can be an effective cleaning strategy. It washes food particles, sugars, and acids from tooth surfaces, which helps preserve enamel and stop decay. Chewing sugarfree gum is another option that works for many patients. The gum picks up stray particles while stimulating saliva production to wash surfaces clean.
Oral health is about more than just keeping teeth clean. There are plenty of soft tissue surfaces that need attention, too. Regular tongue brushing with a specially designed brush or pad removes potentially harmful bacteria and helps freshen breath. Using fluoride toothpaste and a therapeutic mouthwash can help minimize gum disease and discomfort between visits to the general dentist.
The spaces between teeth can harbor bits of food, plaque, and bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, these spaces are difficult to reach through regular brushing, which is why flossing is such a crucial part of daily oral care. In addition to standard floss, pre-loaded floss picks and interdental brushes can help with this task that should be done every day.
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General Dentist in Oxford, MS
Practicing proper oral care between dental appointments makes professional cleanings easier for everyone. Asking the general dentist questions during an exam is a great way to learn what type of care you should perform.
Request an appointment or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 662-546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…
Curious about what you should be asking your general dentist when you visit? Read on to learn more. Visiting a general dentist for regular check-ups is essential for maintaining good oral health. By learning more about their oral health, patients can prevent potential problems and be more aware of changes that may require attention.Going to…
Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…