Despite what many people think, a general dentist wants to see strong, healthy teeth when patients come into the office. Dentists are, in fact, the most prominent champions of clean and cavity-free teeth; they work to educate patients and community members about proper oral care techniques and cleaning practices. With the right level of care, patients can maintain healthy teeth, avoid cavities and gum disease, and preserve overall health. However, many people are still unsure about what, exactly, they should be doing at home between professional cleanings.
Proper dental cleaning is not difficult to achieve. The following tips from general dentists are designed to help patients maintain clean healthy teeth with minimal effort.
Not all toothbrushes are built the same. The right one for each person largely depends on overall dental health and the condition of teeth and gums. Keep in mind that soft bristles are sufficient to remove plaque and buildup. Small or angled brush heads help patients reach into the very back to get molars and wisdom teeth, and electric toothbrushes can encourage less pressure during the brushing process.
There is no need to scour teeth during brushing. Instead, patients should brush gently and watch the progress in a mirror to see bits of food getting removed to ensure that each tooth gets thoroughly cleaned and none get overlooked. Dental floss or a water pick device can be used to remove stubborn pieces stuck between teeth.
While brushing after every meal and snack is the ideal, it is not always possible. For times when getting to a toothbrush is not an option, rinsing with plain water can be an effective cleaning strategy. It washes food particles, sugars, and acids from tooth surfaces, which helps preserve enamel and stop decay. Chewing sugarfree gum is another option that works for many patients. The gum picks up stray particles while stimulating saliva production to wash surfaces clean.
Oral health is about more than just keeping teeth clean. There are plenty of soft tissue surfaces that need attention, too. Regular tongue brushing with a specially designed brush or pad removes potentially harmful bacteria and helps freshen breath. Using fluoride toothpaste and a therapeutic mouthwash can help minimize gum disease and discomfort between visits to the general dentist.
The spaces between teeth can harbor bits of food, plaque, and bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, these spaces are difficult to reach through regular brushing, which is why flossing is such a crucial part of daily oral care. In addition to standard floss, pre-loaded floss picks and interdental brushes can help with this task that should be done every day.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Alexandria, VA
Practicing proper oral care between dental appointments makes professional cleanings easier for everyone. Asking the general dentist questions during an exam is a great way to learn what type of care you should perform.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available…
A general dentist often focuses on the importance of oral hygiene and how it can help the overall health of patients. There are many patients who are unaware of the impact that oral health can have on the heart’s health. The following explains how poor oral hygiene may be connected to the development of heart…
When a patient has a cavity, a general dentist thoroughly takes out all the decayed area of the tooth and replaces it with a filling in the empty space to prevent future decay. When it comes to the type of filling, there are various options from which the patient may choose. They each have advantages…
Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available…
A general dentist often focuses on the importance of oral hygiene and how it can help the overall health of patients. There are many patients who are unaware of the impact that oral health can have on the heart’s health. The following explains how poor oral hygiene may be connected to the development of heart…