Dental Hygiene 101: 10 Ways to Better Oral Health
Dental hygiene and a healthy mouth are often taken for granted, yet they are so important to our overall well-being. There is no shortcut to achieve good oral health, so it's important to set aside time morning and night to give your mouth some attention. Dr. James Reisman, voted one of The Best Dentists in Dallas, and his associate Dr. Jordana Contrucci, make their patients oral health a top priority. Following are 10 ways to keep your mouth healthy:
- Correct Brushing Technique - A soft bristled toothbrush should be placed at a 45 degree angle, using gentle strokes for two minutes. Be sure to cover all surfaces front and back.
- Try Different Toothpastes - It's main purpose is to remove plaque from the teeth, so be sure to choose one with fluoride to help prevent decay. Beyond that, you may choose one for sensitivity, has whitening properties or aids in remineralization, whatever your personal needs are.
- Utilize Fluoride - Bacteria in our mouth produces acid that removes minerals from our teeth, eventually causing decay. Fluoride is a mineral that can stop, and even reverse, tooth decay when used regularly.
- Brush Your Gums - Plaque lingers along the gumline, so don't forget to include gently brushing your gums in your regular brushing routine.
- Don't Skip Flossing - Food and bacteria between teeth is not always removed with brushing alone. Flossing between teeth gets to those areas a toothbrush can't reach.
- Add Mouthwash to the Mix - Mouthwashes and rinses do more than just freshen breath. Depending on your needs, there are products that can reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis and help control and even prevent tooth decay.
- Wear Protection - Whether you play sports or are a teeth grinder, it's important to make sure your teeth are protected. From a store bought guard, or one fabricated from a dental lab, ask your dentist which option is best for your situation.
- Bleach With Caution - A white, bright smile is desirable, but be careful not to go overboard. Excessive bleaching can actually do more harm than good by wearing down the tooth enamel. Talk to your dentist or hygienist about whitening options, including toothpastes and rinses.
- Prevent Oral Cancer - There has been a rise in occurrence caused by alcohol and tobacco use, and also associated with the transmission of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Excessive sun exposure and a diet low in fruits and vegetables are also culprits.
- See Your Dentist and Hygienist - It's important to see your dentist at least twice a year, and whatever recall your hygienist recommends.
The Value of Good Oral Health
It's important to remind yourself how critical caring for your mouth is. Dental issues can be painful and expensive and nobody wants to deal with either. By making your mouth and teeth a priority you are, in essence, protecting your overall well-being. At Reisman Dental Group our top priority is to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health.