subject: Brushing And Flossing-oral Health Starts Here [print this page] Preventive dentistry involves all of the important things you and your family should do for your teeth and gums to avoid decay and dental diseases. These include brushing, flossing, eating a well-balanced diet and visiting your Southfield dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. All of these things combined help you keep your teeth strong and your gums in top condition. Making each of these important steps and important part of your oral health regimen can help you keep your teeth looking and feeling great for a lifetime.
Oral Hygiene-Brush up on the Basics
It goes without saying that an important part of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is brushing and flossing. Daily brushing is the cornerstone of good dental health at every age and should be done at least twice a day using toothpaste that contains fluoride (your dentist can recommend one).
Flossing daily is also important as it removes hard to reach plaque and food particles that are missed during brushing from between your teeth and along your gumline. Use approximately 18 inches of floss and work in an up and down motion between every tooth.
You Diet-Your are what You Eat
The foods you eat on a regular basis also play an important role in dental health. A healthy, well-balanced diet should provide the necessary vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and gums. Sugary and starchy foods and drinks should be consumed in moderation. Sodas and candies provide little if any nutritional value and can lead to cavities and other dental problems with continual consumption.
It's not just what you eat but how frequently you eat them. That's because every time you eat, acids form in your mouth can attack your teeth for up to several minutes after eating. Rather than snacking on candies or sipping soda all day, include them as a pat of your meal. The other foods can balance out the sugars and neutralize acid that forms in your mouth. It's also a good reminder to brush teeth or rinse your mouth after eating to rinse away lingering food.
Visiting Your Dentist-Partnering Together for a Lifetime of Dental Health
Building a trusting relationship with your dentist is an essential step for reaching your optimal dental health. In most cases it is recommended that patients see their dentist twice a year for a check up and cleaning.
During your routine visit, your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam. The dentist will check for decay, bone loss, oral cancer and gum disease. He will also determine tooth and root positions and examine any existing fillings or crowns. During your visits you can ask your dentist any question or tell him about any concerns you have about your dental health. He can also recommend a toothbrush or toothpaste, suggest ways to improve your routine dental care and assess whether or not you are at risk for dental diseases.
