Oral hygiene instructions is the practice of keeping one’s oral cavity clean and free of disease and problems by regular brushing and adopting good hygiene habits. It also involves visiting a dentist regularly and avoiding tobacco.
강남역치과Oral health is linked to overall wellbeing, and most dental issues are largely preventable. Dental hygienists are the professionals who impart oral health promotion messages to patients.
Floss Daily
Tooth-damaging bacteria linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing removes these bacteria to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. It also helps to reduce the depth of gum pockets and improve overall oral health.
The type of floss used is not as important as the frequency of its use. Choose a floss that suits your preference and fit it into your daily routine. Floss comes in a variety of forms including regular floss, dental tape, interdental brushes and even super floss (a small brush that looks like a mascara wand). For best results, floss in a C-shape between each tooth, pulling the floss taut as you move it up and down to help remove food debris. When you’re done, unwind a fresh section of floss and repeat the process.
If you have bridges or crowns, take extra care to clean these restorations as they can be plaque retentive. Cleaning them twice a day and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help keep them healthy. Having a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated is also important for optimal oral health. It’s important to avoid foods that are high in sugar and acidity. Also, it is advisable to quit smoking as this habit can contribute to poor oral health. It can cause dry mouth, irritated gums and loss of the supportive tissue that supports teeth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
It may sound obvious, but visiting your dentist on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do for your oral hygiene. Your dentist is able to identify and treat issues in their early stages, which are much less expensive and more manageable than the problems they can cause when left untreated.
During your routine visits, your dental hygienist is able to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can prevent cavities. Additionally, your dentist is able to catch warning signs such as gum disease, tooth cracks, and chronic bad breath before they develop into more serious problems.
While you should be visiting your dentist regularly, it’s also important to do self-exams at home as well. Look for any changes in your teeth, or if you notice anything unusual, like a bump or discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a visit with your Kitchener dentist right away.
Everyone should visit their dentist at least once every 6 months for a dental checkup and cleaning. However, there are some people that should visit their dentist more often than others, including pregnant women, smokers, diabetics, or those with gum disease or a weak immune system. Talk to your dentist about your specific situation and they can recommend how often you should be visiting for a checkup and cleaning.
Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco products, including smoking and chewing tobacco, are harmful to your teeth and gums. They increase your risk for tooth loss, gum disease, and oral cancer. They also stain your teeth and decrease your sense of taste and smell. It is important to avoid these harmful products and seek resources to help you quit smoking. In addition, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily, as well as attending regular dentist visits so that any issues can be diagnosed early and treated if necessary.
For more information about your oral hygiene regimen, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.