Oral Hygiene Routine Platte City, MO
Your mouth does a lot for you every single day. For it to function optimally, though, it requires proper care. There are several components to maintaining a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Platte Valley Dental Care can help you to develop a good oral hygiene routine that keeps your whole mouth happy and healthy.
What are the Signs That Something is Wrong?Taking care of your mouth is essential for preventing serious oral health issues. There are a few signs that can indicate that your oral hygiene routine is not quite up to par. These signs include: • |
Red, swollen gum tissue.
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Bleeding when you brush and floss.
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Persistent bad breath. Read more about Bad Breath.
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You have had cavities in the past, or you continue to develop cavities. |
BrushingAccording to the American Dental Association, it is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, you should do so for two full minutes every time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Angle your toothbrush 45-degrees toward your gums. Gently move the brush back and forth to scrub your teeth. During the two minutes you brush, make sure that you clean all front surfaces of your teeth, as well as their tops and backsides. Read more about Choosing The Right Toothbrush
FlossingThe ADA recommends flossing at least once a day. You should use approximately 18 inches of floss. Wind the floss around your middle fingers. There should be about one to two inches of space between your fingers. Gently work the floss back and forth to get it between your teeth. Curve the floss against the sides of your teeth and work it gently up and down to remove buildup. Clean between all of your teeth and do not forget to get behind your very back teeth. Use a new section of floss for each space. Flossing can be done before or after brushing. If you do not have the manual dexterity to use regular floss, you can use floss picks.
Professional Dental Cleanings and ExamsIn addition to your oral hygiene routine at home, it is also important that you have your teeth professionally cared for as well. The ADA recommends dental cleanings and exams twice a year, or once every six months. Cleanings are designed to help eliminate buildup from all surfaces of your teeth, including those areas that you might have trouble cleaning on your own. These cleanings help you to more effectively prevent oral health issues. Dental exams are performed to detect the presence of oral health issues in their earliest stages before you ever notice anything is even wrong. The earlier issues are found, the easier they are to treat, and we can help you prevent the development of serious issues later on or the need for a root canal. Click here for information if you are experiencing a Toothache
Other Components of a Good Oral Hygiene RoutineThere are a few other things that you can do to help maintain optimal oral health. Other tips for good oral hygiene include: • |
Using mouthwash. Mouthwash does more than just freshen your breath. It can also help to kill lingering bacteria and remove loose debris from between your teeth.
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Cleaning your tongue. The papillae on your tongue can capture bacteria, which can then cause issues despite brushing and flossing. Keeping your tongue clean can help to prevent these issues from developing. You can clean your tongue with your toothbrush and toothpaste, or you can invest in a tongue scraper.
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Avoiding tobacco products.
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Maintaining a well-balanced diet. |
If you have any questions or concerns about your oral hygiene routine, we are here to help. We offer both tooth and periodontal treatments to improve your overall health. Call Platte Valley Dental Care at (816)858-2027 today to learn more. |