subject: Why Daily Oral Care Is Important To Your Dental Health [print this page] To maintain the health of your body, you have many different responsibilities. One of the most important is to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. To effectively keep your teeth clean from plaque and decay, it is important that you take care of them every day. Talk to your Dubuque dentist about your daily oral care routine. He or she will be able to give you tips to make sure that your teeth and gums remain healthy.
Taking Care Of Your Teeth At Home
Your responsibility to take care of your teeth and gums begins when you are at home. Although daily brushing and flossing may seem mundane to you, they are essentially important to maintain a healthy mouth.
Follow these instructions for keeping your teeth and gums clean and you will be able to keep a healthy mouth and avoid costly and inconvenient dental procedures in the future:
*Brush your teeth at least twice per day, preferably after meals. Make sure to give yourself enough time to do a thorough job when you brush.
*Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You can also use an electric toothbrush for optimal results.
*Hold the toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and use short back-and-forth motions to clean all of your teeth. Try not to use too much force as this can cause bleeding of your gums.
*Replace your toothbrush about every three to four months. This will ensure that your brush remains effective at removing plaque from your teeth.
*Floss your teeth every day. Your toothbrush is not able to reach certain areas and if you do not floss, plaque will build up there and cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Visiting Your Dubuque, IA Dentist
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, it is also important for you to visit your dentist in Dubuque for regular exams and cleanings. Although brushing and flossing are effective at removing most of the plaque from your teeth, there are still areas that only your dentist will be able to clean by using special techniques and tools. In addition, performing a thorough exam of your teeth will allow for your dentist to spot any potential problems early on. If a problem is caught early on, it will almost certainly be easier and cheaper to deal with. Talk to your Dubuque, IA dentist if any of the following symptoms occur:
*Change in alignment of teeth or bite
*Gums that bleed easily
*Loss of permanent teeth
*Sensitivity to heat or cold
*Unusually bad breath or persistent bad taste in your mouth
*Red, tender or swollen gums
To learn more about the importance of daily oral care or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Dubuque as soon as you can.
