Are You Maintaining A Proper Daily Oral Health Care Regimen?
How do you know if you are maintaining proper daily oral hygiene
? Many people don't know, but they are not, and over 75% of the people in America have either gingivitis, or some other kind of periodontitis. Millions of dollars are spent yearly on tooth repair, braces, dentures, and other forms of dental work.
It's easy to protect your mouth from harmful dental disease with a little extra care. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque; a healthy diet low in sugar and other refined carbohydrates helps keep your whole body as well as your teeth and gums in good condition; and routine dental exams and regular cleanings may help prevent the incidence of serious dental diseases.
The American Dental Association recommends the following tips for good oral health:
*Brush teeth at least twice a day
*Replace your toothbrush at least every three or four months
*Floss daily to clean between the teeth and along the gum line
*Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, and limit sugary foods or beverages and between-meal snacking
*Visit your Lafayette dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
Are You Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day?
It is important that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. An effective oral hygiene routine keeps your teeth clean, breath fresh and contributes to the prevention of gum disease. Your tooth enamel can be damaged by scrubbing if you use a hard bristled toothbrush, so select a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head so you can access hard to reach places including the back of your teeth.
While brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum-line. Gently brush the gum/tooth margin with short vibratory, circular motions and then softly brush from where the tooth and gum meet, to the chewing surface in short strokes. Brushing too vigorously can lead to receding gums and abrasion of teeth.
Floss to Remove Remaining Plaque
Brushing cleans approximately 60% of your tooth surfaces, while floss cleans the remaining 40% and is an essential part of your oral care routine. Flossing at least once a day will remove plaque build-up and food particles between your teeth where the toothbrush can't access. When flossing, be careful to avoid injuring your gums. It can sometimes feel awkward to floss, but your dentist can offer you some helpful tops to make flossing feel more comfortable.
The Consequences of Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene invites plaque to accumulate around the base of your teeth and gum line, causing your gums to become red and inflamed. Plaque is the bacteria-laden film that, if allowed to accumulate on your teeth and gums, will cause tooth decay and gum disease. If you neglect the care of your teeth at home and fail to go to the dentist regularly, accumulated plaque could lead to the development of empty spaces around your teeth, which could eventually lead to the destruction of bone and other fragile tissues supporting your teeth. You could even lose your teeth, as well.
So, what is the good news? Being diligent about your dental health care and getting regular dental checkups with your dentist in Lafayette can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early gum disease. Contact your dentist today for more information on how to maintain an appropriate daily oral hygiene regimen.
by: Gen Wright
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