Oral Hygiene Routine
Your mouth does a lot for you every single day. It allows you to eat, speak, and convey a wide array of emotions. Your mouth consists of several components that all work together to perform these functions. To keep them healthy and fully functional, proper oral care is required. Encino Cosmetic Dentistry can help you to develop an optimal oral hygiene routine to keep your mouth at its best.
Signs of Oral Health IssuesThere are many symptoms that can point toward oral health issues and a less than perfect oral hygiene routine. Common symptoms include:| • |
Red, swollen gum tissue.
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Gums that bleed when you brush and floss your teeth.
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You experience chronic bad breath.
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Cavities continue to develop in your teeth. |
Brush Twice a DayThe American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing more often is not harmful to your oral health, and can often be beneficial. Every time you brush, you should do so for two full minutes, making sure that you cover all surfaces of your teeth. You should brush the front surfaces of your teeth as well as, the chewing surfaces, and the backsides.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is comfortable in your mouth and your hand. Brush side to side using gentle strokes. It is important to avoid aggressively scrubbing your teeth. While it might seem like brushing harder will remove more buildup, this action can be detrimental. Your toothbrush should be changed approximately every three months, or when the bristles begin to show signs of fraying. Read more Tips For Brushing
Floss DailyIn addition to brushing daily, it is also important to floss at least once a day. Take approximately 18 inches of floss and wind it around your middle fingers, leaving about one to two inches between them. Move the floss back and forth carefully to get the floss between your teeth. Gently scrape up and down each side, using a new section of floss for each space. Do not forget about flossing behind your very back teeth. If you have trouble with manual dexterity, you can use floss picks instead of traditional floss to more easily clean your teeth.
The Importance of Regular Dental VisitsDaily care at home is essential, but so too are routine dental visits. The ADA recommends professional cleanings and exams at least twice a year, or once every six months. Cleanings enable us to help you further prevent serious issues from developing by cleaning all areas of your mouth, including those you may not be able to properly clean on your own.
With regular dental exams, we can detect the presence of oral health issues in their earliest stages. When many oral health issues first develop, you may not exhibit any symptoms, which can lead you to believe that everything is fine. With early detection, we can provide prompt, minimally invasive treatments to restore your oral health and prevent the development of more serious consequences.
With a good oral hygiene routine, you can actively prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, keeping your mouth happy and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Encino Cosmetic Dentistry today at (818) 783-0408. |
