If you have not paid any attention to your oral health before now, you are not alone. Data presented by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shows that about 50 percent of American adults above age 30 are dealing with a type of gum disease. This is staggering since gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss.
Perhaps your teeth are damaged or discolored. Maybe your dental restorations are due for replacement. Whatever the situation is, there is never a wrong time to start taking care of your teeth and gums.
Below is a checklist to help you care for your teeth and gums.
Even if brushing and flossing are already part of your daily oral hygiene, periodic expert cleaning is vital. It helps to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar that can cause tooth decay or gum disease.
During the checkup, the dentist will clean your teeth and check for potential signs of gum disease and oral cancer. If you have not had a dental appointment in a while, the dentist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure called root planing and scaling to remove tartar.
Additionally, the dentist will help you create a suitable dental hygiene plan that meets your needs.
While there is some debate over how frequent you need to floss, it still is essential. Since toothbrush bristles cannot reach between the teeth and gums, flossing daily will help remove food debris from the teeth after meals.
If you can only floss once daily before you go to bed, you will keep your teeth protected throughout the night.
You are probably already aware of the detrimental effects sugar has on your teeth. Other items, including coffee, tea or glass of red wine, can stain your teeth over time. You should watch what you eat and drink to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a full course meal with sufficient vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Keeping hydrated is also crucial for reducing oral bacteria.
People often wonder how often they should brush or if they are brushing too hard. Typically, brushing the teeth after meals is the rational thing to do.
In some cases, it is best to wait a while after eating before cleaning the teeth. For instance, if you consume acidic meals such as fruit or wine, you should wait for about 30 minutes before brushing to preserve your enamel.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum damage. A receding gum line can cause tooth sensitivity.
Do not ignore painful or discolored teeth. If you want to learn more about keeping your mouth healthy, you should book an appointment with your dentist.
If you do not have a dentist, then call our office to see how we can improve your smile.
Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.
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