4 Things Your Dental Practice Wants You to Know About Oral Hygiene

4 Things Your Dental Practice Wants You to Know About Oral Hygiene from Everest Dental in Oviedo, FLJust about every patient who visits a dental practice will leave with a few tips about oral hygiene. Dental professionals can be a valuable resource for how to keep the mouth healthy and can talk at length about oral hygiene. Here are four things a dentist may want you to know about how to care for the mouth.

Four healthy habits to incorporate

While tooth brushing before bed is a good start, there are other habits to form that can encourage oral health.

1. Do not rinse right away

Most people tend to use toothpaste in a similar manner to soap. After applying the toothpaste and lathering up, water is used to rinse out the residue. The truth is, toothpaste can be more effective when allowed to remain on the teeth. It is a topical agent and useful for more than scrubbing away food particles. The ingredients in toothpaste can get rid of harmful bacteria, and leaving it on the teeth longer can give it more time to work. After brushing, spit out the foam, but refrain from rinsing for 30 minutes for maximum results.

2. Take a good look when brushing

Not all tooth issues cause pain until the problem is serious. There can be visible signs of tooth decay before any pain is felt, and picking up on these indicators can allow a dentist to prevent further damage to the tooth. The following are warning signs to look for when brushing:

  • Brown spots
  • Spots that look dull or soft
  • Pits or indents
  • Gum recession

Any of these can indicate tooth decay and should result in a visit to the dentist.

3. Do not ignore pain

In many cases, people do not visit a dental practice until they experience severe pain. This can result in extensive, costly repairs. By alerting a dental professional at the first hint of pain, the procedures required to fix the issue can be minor. Even if the sensation is closer to discomfort or heightened sensitivity than actual pain, it can still be worth mentioning. After all, sensations are the body's way of pointing out problems or irregularities.

4. Floss daily

Sporadic flossing can actually be harmful to the gums. Those who only floss once a week or when there is a piece of popcorn lodged in the teeth are at a higher risk of gum disease. When teeth are not flossed daily, plaque, tartar and bacteria can build up around the gum line and cause infection, irritation and swelling. Flossing irritated gums every so often can only irritate them more and make the problem worse.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Practice in Oviedo, FL.

Conclusion

Proper oral hygiene is essential for a healthy mouth. Daily brushing and flossing using the correct technique can not only keep the mouth clean but also increase awareness of any changes. Paying attention to the appearance of and sensations in the teeth can allow potential issues to be addressed by a dental practice before further damage is done.

Request an appointment or call Everest Dental at 407-588-4388 for an appointment in our Oviedo office.

Related Posts

General Dentistry: What A Dentist Wants You To Know About Dietary Choices

A dental visit can tell you if your teeth are healthy or if they need preventative treatment or care for conditions such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, or enamel erosion. Making wise decisions regarding what to eat and drink daily is one of the many important things you can do to maintain good overall dental…

How Dental Exams Can Prevent Tooth Decay

You are likely aware of the recommendations to prevent tooth decay: brush and floss regularly and thoroughly, eat healthy foods, and visit a dentist twice a year. That last item is critical. The dentist not only looks for existing tooth decay but helps you prevent it from occurring in the first place.Decay occurs when high-carbohydrate…

What To Expect Before, During, And After Treatment From A Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist helps patients get closer to the smiles of their dreams. Whether the cosmetic issue is a single tooth or the smile as a whole, they have a wide range of services available to address it. Knowing what to expect at every step of the way can streamline treatment.Preparing for cosmetic dental treatment…

OUR PRACTICE PROMISE – GET THE FIVE-STAR TREATMENT! 30K+ HAPPY PATIENTS – 5☆ Rating Dentist – 500+ Reviews On Google!