Oral hygiene and dental care plays an indispensable role towards the wellbeing of every individual’s teeth and gums. The practice of proper oral hygiene begins with regular brushing and flossing. While the daily oral hygiene regime cannot be over-emphasized, it certainly takes more than just regular brushing to maintain good oral health. Another vital component is the need to see the dentist regularly. It is recommended that you schedule at least two dental appointments a year for regular checks and cleans. This preventative approach is highly effective in warding off severe diseases such as cavities, periodontal disease and halitosis (bad breath). Let’s take a look at a few universal tips that will benefit patients of all ages and encourage healthy oral care as a way of life.
Brushing and flossing
Cleaning your teeth daily is perhaps your best defense against plaque and the formation of tartar. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal and before bedtime. At the very least, you should brush two times a day, preferably using toothpaste that contains fluoride as it helps to prevent cavities. Flossing helps to effectively remove plaque and food debris trapped in your teeth. It also helps to greatly reduce the problem of bad breath or halitosis. Try to floss gently along the inner areas of your teeth making sure that you do not hurt the gums while doing so. You may also use a fluoride mouthwash after meals to thoroughly clean and flush out the food debris for a fresher breath.
Regular dental checks
You should schedule at least two dental appointments a year for comprehensive oral examinations and prophylactic cleans. The dentist is in the best position to look out for any danger signs that may suggest future problems and administer professional cleaning. The dentist uses sophisticated diagnostic equipment that makes it possible to identify minor symptoms that escape the naked eye. Identifying a dental problem such as oral cancer in its early stage will significantly improve the chances of total recovery. Early detection usually affords an opportunity to address the issue using minimally invasive solutions rather than resorting to expensive and complex surgeries. Twice yearly prophylactic cleaning sessions are important as they help to remove hardened plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by normal brushing or flossing. As a further cavity prevention measure, the dentist may also apply fluoride gel on your teeth that will give your teeth an added layer of protection against the bacterial build-up in your mouth.
Gum disease prevention
One major aspect of regular dental check-ups lies in the prevention of gum diseases. The dentist will be looking out for any symptoms – swollen or reddened gums, unusual bleeding, receding gums, loosening teeth – that may signal the presence of an oral disease. Many studies have suggested links between unhealthy gums and other medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. If left untreated, gum disease can also lead to many serious dental conditions such as oral inflammations and tooth loss conditions.
Ask a dentist
Don’t be afraid to seek advice from your dentist about your oral health needs. Remember, your dental needs are unique and there’s no such thing as a silly question. If you are looking for a dental clinic in Sydney to jumpstart your active oral maintenance program, contact Sydney CBD Dental at 02 9051 0503.