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It is, unfortunately, true that many people neglect their teeth. In fact, the standard dental hygiene routine in use by most is to simply brush their teeth twice a day. With this minimal amount of care, they believe that their smile will stay safe and healthy for the rest of their lifetime.
Real talk: brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. To prevent dangerous oral conditions like periodontal disease and tooth decay, more steps are required in your dental hygiene routine.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and we want everyone to know how to best secure their oral health. In particular, what is the ideal dental hygiene routine and what can be done to secure healthy teeth and gums for Bingham Farms area patients.
Step 1: Find Out What Your Mouth Needs
Before you can create a dental hygiene routine for yourself, you must first determine what your mouth needs. By speaking with a trained dentist, such as Dr. Kosinski, it is possible to learn the exact condition of your oral health. After an examination, the doctor will provide you with a report on your gums and teeth, letting you know about anything you may need to pay attention to.
This initial appointment is very important, as patients suffering from the early stages of gum disease and decay can address these issues before they become a real problem. These conditions may be resolved simply by adding an additional step to your routine, so you’ll want to know about them before you begin a new one.
You may also want to consider meeting with your primary healthcare physician to discuss your bodily condition. This is because health issues like diabetes and heart disease can affect your oral health. Cancer treatments and pregnancy are examples of other medical conditions that affect your oral health. A visit with your doctor can make you aware of these things, and you’ll want to be sure to share your medical history and current conditions with your dentist during your consultation.
Step 2: Put Your Routine Together
Once you have a good idea of the condition of your oral health, it’s time to start putting together your daily hygiene routine. Here are some techniques that need to be included:
- Brushing: The most obvious of hygiene techniques, and yet one of the most neglected. Many people brush their teeth, but many also don’t do it as much or as well as they should. Teeth should be brushed twice a day, and ideally 30 minutes after every meal. You should brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, taking 30 seconds per side.
- Flossing: Flossing is the most ignored, yet most important tool in your dental hygiene routine. This technique is used to remove bacteria and food particles that have been caught between your gums and teeth. It is incredibly important that you floss at least once per day.
- Rinsing: Chances are you’re not going to have the opportunity to brush and floss directly after finishing a meal. It happens. For these times, you should take some time to rinse your mouth with water. While rinsing won’t remove all of the bacteria and food particles left on your teeth, it will certainly help. You can also rinse with salt water or mouthwash, both of which can kill bacteria in your mouth.
The most important thing you can do with your dental hygiene routine is stick to it once you have begun it. Many people create their routine, and then make a token attempt to stick to it, but ultimately return to their previous ways. You cannot let this happen. If your teeth are not getting the care they need, then they will decay and your gums will likely become infected.
Dangerous Habits
You can improve your oral health by giving up dangerous habits that may be working against you.
For instance, if you are a user of tobacco based products, be they smokeless or not, you should consider quitting. The chemicals and nicotine in cigarettes are known to damage the teeth and gums, resulting in conditions like periodontal disease and oral cancer. These products can also stain your teeth, giving you an unattractive smile.
Our second warning is for patients who may drink a little too much alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic and causes the drinker to urinate more than usual. This lessens the amount of saliva in the drinker’s mouth, which leaves it defenseless against dangerous bacteria.
Step 3: Work with a Dental Hygienist
Once you have your dental hygiene routine established, there is one last thing we want you to consider for the health of your smile: schedule regular hygiene cleanings with your dental office. Scheduling a cleaning and checkup with a dental hygienist every 6 months is optimal. While a good hygiene routine will do wonders for your smile, it is only by combining this routine with a good hygienist that you can guarantee a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Create Your Personal Dental Hygiene Routine Today
It is important that you do not wait a moment longer to create your dental hygiene routine. Proper care can be the difference between tooth decay and a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, so you can’t afford to wait. If you would like to get a grasp of the condition of your oral health, contact our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Timothy Kosinski today.