4 Things Your Dental Practice Wants You to Know About Oral Hygiene

Just about every patient who visits a dental practice of the dentist in Phoenix, AZ will leave with a few tips about oral hygiene. Dentists in 85053 can be a valuable resource for how to keep the mouth healthy and can talk at length about oral hygiene. Here are four things a dentist may want you to know about how to care for the mouth.

Four healthy habits to incorporate

While tooth brushing before bed is a good start, there are other habits to form that can encourage oral health.

1. Do not rinse right away

Most people tend to use toothpaste in a similar manner to soap. After applying the toothpaste and lathering up, water is used to rinse out the residue. The truth is, toothpaste can be more effective when allowed to remain on the teeth. It is a topical agent and useful for more than scrubbing away food particles. The ingredients in toothpaste can get rid of harmful bacteria, and leaving it on the teeth longer can give it more time to work. After brushing, spit out the foam, but refrain from rinsing for 30 minutes for maximum results.

2. Take a good look when brushing

Not all tooth issues cause pain until the problem is serious. There can be visible signs of tooth decay before any pain is felt, and picking up on these indicators can allow a dentist to prevent further damage to the tooth. The following are warning signs to look for when brushing:

• Brown spots
• Spots that look dull or soft
• Pits or indents
• Gum recession

Any of these can indicate tooth decay and should result in a visit to the dentist.

3. Diet Plays a Role in Oral Health

What you eat and drink can impact your oral health more than you might realize. Sugary and acidic foods and beverages can contribute to tooth decay and erosion, while foods rich in calcium, vitamin C, and fiber promote healthy teeth and gums. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help protect your smile. Call us to learn more.

4. Floss daily

Sporadic flossing can actually be harmful to the gums. Those who only floss once a week or when there is a piece of popcorn lodged in the teeth are at a higher risk of gum disease. When teeth are not flossed daily, plaque, tartar and bacteria can build up around the gum line and cause infection, irritation and swelling. Flossing irritated gums every so often can only irritate them more and make the problem worse.

Conclusion

Proper oral hygiene is essential for a healthy mouth. Daily brushing and flossing using the correct technique can not only keep the mouth clean but also increase awareness of any changes. Paying attention to the appearance of and sensations in the teeth can allow potential issues to be addressed by a dental practice before further damage is done.

Request an appointment or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at 602-547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.