subject: Why Daily Oral Care Is Important For Your Dental Health [print this page] You have many different responsibilities to ensure that your body remains healthy. One of the most important is to take care of your teeth and gums. To make sure your mouth remains healthy, you need to brush and floss your teeth every day. Talk to your Grand Rapids dentist about your daily oral care routine. He or she will be able to recommend tips and techniques for achieving optimal oral health.
Flossing and Brushing
Your responsibility to take care of your teeth begins when you are at home. Although brushing and flossing your teeth every day may seem like mundane tasks, they are essential for you to keep your mouth healthy and avoid costly and inconvenient dental problems later on in life.
Follow these basic instructions to take care of your oral health and you will be able to make sure that your teeth and gums remain healthy
*Brush your teeth at least twice per day, generally 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 are also able to 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. Don't use too much force when you brush, as this can cause bleeding of your gums.
*Make sure to replace your brush every three to four months or when the bristles appear worn down. This will ensure that your toothbrush remains effective at removing plaque from your teeth.
*Floss every day to remove the plaque from the spaces in between your teeth. Brushing does not reach these areas so plaque can easily build up if you do not floss.
Visiting Your Grand Rapids Dentist
In addition to daily flossing and brushing, it is also important that you visit your dentist in Grand Rapids frequently. Although brushing and flossing are effective at removing most of the plaque from your teeth, there are certain areas that only your dentist is able to clean by using special tools and techniques. By performing a thorough examination of your teeth, he or she will also be able to spot any potential problems before they become serious. If a problem is caught early on, it will almost always be easier and cheaper to deal with. Talk to your Grand Rapids dentist if you experience any of these symptoms:
*Loss of permanent teeth
*Red, tender or swollen gums
*Gums that bleed easily
*Sensitivity to heat or cold
*Unusually bad breath or persistent bad taste in your mouth
*Change in alignment of teeth or bite
To learn more about the importance of daily oral care or to schedule an appointment, contact your Grand Rapids dentist today.
