Any general dentist knows that oral health is about more than just strong teeth. It is also a bellwether of overall physical health, which makes maintaining healthy teeth and gums a crucial part of any wellness routine. Showing up for cleanings twice a year is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy. Patients should always take time to ask questions at the dentist, being sure to address any concerns or uncertainties they may have.
While patients should follow the advice of a general dentist for routine care and cleaning, these five steps can help keep teeth clean and strong between appointments.
Most people know that brushing at least twice each day is essential for keeping teeth clean and healthy. However, people are not born knowing how to brush their teeth; it is an acquired skill that many patients never learn to perform correctly. Brushing should be done gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Anything too harsh can cause irritation and damage to enamel surfaces that protect against decay. Using an electric toothbrush or one with special pressure indicators can make this easier to accomplish.
There is a reason that a small package of dental floss is in the bag patients get at the general dentist. When used regularly, floss removes food particles from between teeth and reduces plaque buildup. The result is cleaner teeth, fewer cavities, and healthier gums. The ideal time to floss is right before brushing, but it is better to do it at any time than not at all. Each piece of floss should be gently pushed into the area between the teeth, then carefully curved around the base of each tooth. A clean section should be used for each space.
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, which protects against cavities. Many public water supplies have fluoride added to encourage healthier teeth, but filtered and bottled water may not contain it in sufficient quantities to work effectively. Many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes use fluoride, which is a simple way to ensure adequate levels. Otherwise, patients can talk to their dentist about having professional fluoride treatment applied to tooth surfaces after cleanings.
Drinks loaded with sugar promote the formation of dental cavities. Sodas and alcohol are particularly dangerous because of high phosphorous content that can deplete calcium and lead to weakened teeth and bones.
Tobacco is detrimental to overall oral health. In addition to being linked to higher rates of oral cancers, it stains teeth and contributes to dry mouth conditions that encourage bacterial growth. Avoid tobacco products to promote oral health.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Essentials for Good Oral Health in Coal City, IL
With regular cleanings at a general dentist and proper home care, oral health can be maintained. Talk to your dentist about any questions and be sure to follow the advice and recommendations made based on the current condition of your teeth and gums.
Request an appointment or call Coal City Dental at 815-634-6046 for an appointment in our Coal City office.
Among the most common dental problems that a general dentist treats are cavities. Most people will experience this form of tooth decay at some point due to:Dry mouthSugary foods and drinksPoor oral hygieneGeneticsThere are several types of cavities, and each can lead to complications without prompt treatment.A general dentist first considers a cavity's location when…
An appointment with a general dentist provides many benefits beyond cleaning the teeth. Oral hygiene is important to help maintain functions like chewing, swallowing, or speaking, but there is also a link between an individual’s overall health and oral health. Routine dental exams support good personal health.The body is a complex system of many parts…
Persistent oral pain or extensive decay may send a patient to a general dentist, who must then advise whether the patient should try to save the tooth or have it pulled. To save the tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp of the tooth and replacing it with…