subject: Daily Oral Care To Keep Your Teeth Healthy [print this page] Everyone grows up listening to their dentist tell them about how important it is to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. While some people take the message to heart, others seem to ignore the message and neglect their teeth and gums. When people neglect their oral health, more often than not it will come back to them in the future with serious dental issues that can be painful and costly. That is why brushing, flossing and regular cleanings by your Peoria dentist are so important to maintaining the health of your mouth.
Brushing And Flossing
To effectively combat plaque buildup on your teeth and gums, there are a few different things you need to do. The first is to brush your teeth at least twice per day, preferably after meals. However, you need to remember to brush correctly and for the proper amount of time. Many people simply brush their teeth for a few seconds twice a day and think that they are doing enough to combat tooth decay. To effectively clean your teeth, you need to brush them for at least two minutes each time. Many dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one because it can clean more effectively and has a built-in timer to make sure you brush for long enough. If you have a manual brush, brush your teeth using short, gentle strokes. Make sure to brush all of the hard-to-reach places and your gums line.
In addition to proper brushing, flossing your teeth every day is important to maintain good oral health. Your toothbrush, whether it is manual or electric, cannot reach certain areas in between your teeth. If you do not floss, bacteria and plaque can build up and cause tooth decay and gingivitis. When you are flossing, it is important to floss in between all of your teeth. Gently move the floss up and down the sides of your teeth, making sure to not force it too hard, which can cause bleeding of your gums. It is also important to use a different section of floss for each tooth. By using about 18 inches of floss, you should have enough length to get all of your teeth.
The Importance Of Visiting Your Peoria Dentist
In addition to brushing and flossing every day, it is also essential that you visit your dentist on a regular basis. The main reason for this is that your dentist will be able to professionally clean your teeth in ways that you cannot do at home. Certain hard-to-reach areas can be very difficult to clean with a toothbrush and only your dentist will be able to clean them effectively by using special tools and techniques. In addition, your dentist will also be able to check your teeth for any potential problems. If tooth decay or gum disease is spotted early on, they can be treated more effectively and cheaply.
To learn more about the importance of daily oral care or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Peoria today.
