subject: Why Daily Oral Care Is Important [print this page] You have many different responsibilities to take care of your body and overall health. One of the most important of these is to take care of your teeth and gums. To keep your mouth healthy, you need to brush and floss your teeth every day. Talk to your Shakopee dentist about your daily oral care routine. He or she will be able to recommend tips and treatments for achieving optimal oral health.
Brushing and Flossing
Your responsibility to take care of your teeth and gums begins at home. Although brushing your teeth and flossing every day may seem like mundane tasks, they are very important to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
Follow these basic instructions for taking care of your oral health and you will be able to keep your mouth healthy and avoid costly and unpleasant dental problems in your future:
*You need to brush your teeth at least twice per day, preferably after meals. 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 when you brush, as that can cause bleeding of your gums.
*Be sure to replace your brush every three to four months or when the bristles look worn down. This will make sure that your toothbrush remains effective at cleaning your teeth.
*Floss every day to clean 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 Shakopee Dentist
In addition to daily flossing and brushing, it is important for you to visit your Shakopee dentist regularly. Although brushing and flossing are very effective at cleaning your teeth, there are certain areas that only your dentist can 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 certainly be cheaper and easier to deal with if it is caught early on. Contact your Shakopee dentist as soon as you can if you encounter any of the following symptoms:
*Change in alignment of teeth or bite.
*Gums that bleed easily.
*Loss of permanent teeth.
*Sensitivity to heat or cold.
*Red, tender or swollen gums.
*Unusually bad breath or persistent bad taste in your mouth
To learn more about the importance of daily oral care or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Shakopee as soon as it is convenient.
