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For
most of us, thorough daily oral hygiene lays the
groundwork for a healthy smile. Just a simple
routine of brushing and flossing, in addition
to regular dental checkups, can be enough in most
cases to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease
and bad breath.
BRUSHING
UP ON TECHNIQUE
Since
there are various techniques for brushing your
teeth, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist
which one to use.
Here
are a few tips to help you develop a good brushing
routine:
- Brush twice a day.
- Use a fluoride-containing
toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
- Place your brush at a
slight angle toward the gums when brushing along
the gum line.
- Use a gentle touch—it
doesn’t take much pressure to remove the
plaque from your teeth, and a vigorous scrubbing
could irritate your gums.
- Concentrate on cleaning
all the surfaces of the teeth.
- Brushing your tongue gently
can help remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
THE
IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING
Cleaning
between your teeth is every bit as important as
brushing. Since brushing can’t effectively
clean between teeth, it’s important to use
floss to get to those areas. Other items also
are available to help you clean between your teeth.
Ask your dentist which ones to use. Clean between
your teeth once a day. As with brushing, use a
gentle touch to avoid injuring your gum tissue.
IT’S
YOUR CHOICE
Sometimes
just walking down the oral health care aisle in
your local drug store is enough to make your head
spin. With so many choices, how can you choose
which products are best for you?
Here
are some quick and easy ways to narrow your selection:
Look
for the ADA Seal of Acceptance - your assurance
that products have met ADA standards of safety
and effectiveness.
Ask
your dentist to help you select the best products
for your needs. Because there are distinctive
oral hygiene routines and techniques, some products
seem to work better for some individuals than
for others. The best brush or interdental cleaner
you can buy is the one you will use regularly
and properly. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist
about your home care routine and technique —
he or she can help you get the job done properly.
WHY
VISIT THE DENTIST?
Some
people, think a dental check-up is like standing
in line at the bank -- a waste of time.
But other people realize that even
when their teeth aren't bothering them, a visit
to the dentist is important.
During the exam, the dentist checks
for signs of tooth decay and oral cancer, examining
your tongue, your glands and the inside of your
mouth. The dentist checks your bite and looks
for problems, such as teeth grinding and disorders
with the jaw joint.
Your dentist or a dental hygienist
will clean your teeth to remove the plaque left
after you brush and floss. Without regular professional
cleaning, this plaque can build up and harm your
teeth and gums.
Having regular check-ups
is vital in caring for your precious smile. And
that's something you can take to the bank!
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