Good oral hygiene is important for all ages. Brushing and flossing should be a part of everyone’s daily routine. When you take the time to take care of your teeth and mouth, you not only look good, but you feel good as well. A little preventive care now helps ensure healthy, strong teeth for years to come. And let’s face it, everyone wants to have a great smile.
Preventive care includes brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Brushing for at least two minutes is also ideal. This will allow all surfaces of your teeth to get a thorough cleaning. It is important to use a toothbrush you are comfortable with. You don’t want bristles that are too hard or too soft. You want to be able to remove the plague without damaging your teeth. Sometimes brushing and flossing just isn’t enough to maintain a healthy mouth. Our teeth go through so much in a day. From eating and drinking to chewing gum, we are constantly utilizing our teeth, and let’s face it, after a while they may begin to give us problems.
There are a number of signs and symptoms that can indicate it’s time to seek dental help. You may notice your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Some bleeding is normal when you floss and usually goes away with daily flossing. However, if your gums have become swollen or inflamed, you should contact your dentist right away. This can be a sign of sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. It may also be time to visit your dentist if you are experience any kind of tooth pain. Only your dentist will be able to determine the cause of your toothache and provide relief. Over the counter medications will only provide you with temporary relief until you are able to get to a dentist.
Of course it’s important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular check ups and cleanings. No matter how much you brush at home, a good dental cleaning is vital to your teeth and gums. Your dentist or hygienist uses state of the art equipment that removes more plague then regular brushing. This helps to prevent gum disease and bad breath. During your exam your dentist or hygienist will be able to catch and fix any minor problems before they become major issues.
By utilizing preventive care, you can actually enjoy the dentist when it’s time for your next check up.
