Five
Healthy Habits for Oral Care
From young children just learning to care for their teeth to older
patients with a lifetime of experience with brushing and flossing,
good dental health requires daily attention. And although we always
look forward to seeing our patients twice a year for cleanings
and check-ups, that’s just one small part of the equation. Here
are some important tips to keep your teeth looking their best.
#1 Brush After Every Meal
This one should come as no surprise! When food particles stay
on your teeth for a long period of time, plaque begins to form—which
makes a perfect hiding place for bacteria. Although plaque can
be brushed away at first, it gradually becomes stickier and
more difficult to remove. Brushing after every meal removes
tiny bits of food and also stimulates saliva production to break
down nutrients. If you can't brush after each meal, we recommend
at least rinsing your mouth throughly with water to help release
some of the food particles.
#2 Floss Once a Day
Even if you brush after every meal, you still need to floss—preferably
at night. Brushing cannot reach between the teeth, so flossing
at the end of the day helps reach hidden food particles and interrupt
bacteria growth. The bacteria in our mouths, if left alone, can
cause tooth decay and periodontal disease over the long term.
Flossing not only keeps these active bacteria in check; it also
stimulates gum tissue to help keep gums healthy.
#3 Use Your Teeth
Only as Teeth!
Biting your fingernails, opening packages and popping soda caps
are best left to instruments like clippers, scissors and bottle
openers. Habits like these can damage tooth enamel and irritate
gums.
#4 Go Easy on Certain
Foods
Excessive consumption of acidic foods like lemon or lime juice
can be hard on tooth enamel. So can crunching on ice, hard candy
or tough-to-crack snacks (like CornNuts). Sugary drinks and snacks
can also cause problems. We recommend drinking plenty of water
and eating smile-friendly snacks like apples and carrots.
#5 Visit Your Dentist
at Least Every Six Months
We can’t emphasize it enough—getting a regular dental exam and
teeth cleaning at least twice a year is essential for anyone with
teeth! A dental exam is a preventative screening that allows us
to check for problems related to tooth decay, periodontal disease,
oral cancer, blood pressure, TMJ (jaw grinding or clenching),
snoring or any signs that could indicate a problem in another
area of your body. If you have a history of periodontal issues,
your hygienist may recommend visits every three to four months.
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Oral
Care Q&A
What are the advantages of using an oral rinse?
When used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, oral rinses
help to soften and loosen food debris from teeth before brushing.
Some rinses contain fluoride, which helps to prevent dental decay.
Why do dentists insist on X-rays so
frequently?
Our office takes X-rays to help diagnose decay and periodontal
disease. Without X-rays, we are unable to completely diagnose
what’s going on between teeth and underneath the gum tissue. Additionally,
routine X-rays are required by the State
Board of Dental Examiners.
Are there
any oral health products Bobcat Dental thinks highly of?
What constitutes “sensitive teeth”?
And how should you care for them?
Any tooth that feels uncomfortable when subjected to cold, heat,
sweet flavors, touch, pressure or chewing is considered sensitive.
Those with mild discomfort may benefit from the use of any toothpaste
that’s ADA approved
for sensitivity, such as Sensodyne.
It’s also a good idea to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush since
medium or hard bristles can cause gums to recede and expose the
root surface, causing the sensitivity. If you have severe discomfort
or a combination of symptoms, however, you could have a cavity
or other condition that requires immediate attention. Always tell
your dentist when you experience sensitivity of the teeth or gums.
Have a dental question of your own? Email
the experts at Bobcat Dental. If we think others would benefit
from the information, we may post your question—and our answer—here.
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