Your mouth has many important responsibilities. With your mouth, you can bite, chew, speak, and express a wide array of different emotions. There are many different components in your mouth that allow you to perform these functions. For your mouth to perform at its best, it is essential that you take good care of it. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD, we can help you to develop an oral hygiene routine that will keep your mouth happy, healthy, functioning at its best.
A good oral hygiene routine is essential for keeping your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. When you ignore any part of your oral hygiene routine, even just occasionally, your risk for developing different issues increases significantly. There are several signs that can point toward a poor oral hygiene routine. These signs include:
A major part of your oral hygiene routine is brushing. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day. Using a soft bristled brush, angle the head at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. Move the brush side to side gently. Every time you brush, you should do so for two full minutes. During this time, you should make sure to brush not just the front surfaces of your teeth, but the backs of your teeth and the tops as well.
The ADA recommends flossing at least once daily. Flossing is essential for removing plaque, bacteria, and other debris from between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot clean. Pull approximately 18 inches of floss and wind it around your middle fingers. Leave a space of about one to two inches. Gently move the floss back and forth to work it between your teeth. Scrape up and down the sides of each tooth, using a new section of floss for each space. Do not forget to floss behind your back teeth as well. If you do not have the manual dexterity to use traditional floss, you can also use floss picks.
Your oral hygiene routine is not limited to your home. Professional care is also essential. It is recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. Cleanings allow us to eliminate all buildup from all surfaces of your teeth, helping you to prevent the development of issues such as cavities and gum disease. Exams allow us to check your mouth for early warning signs of different issues, enabling us to provide you with the treatment you need to restore your oral health and prevent more serious consequences from developing.
In addition to the above recommendations for a good oral hygiene routine, there are also several other things that you can do to help maintain optimal oral health. These tips include:
With a good oral hygiene routine, you can keep your mouth healthy and functioning at its best. If you have any questions or concerns or want to schedule your appointment, call Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD today at (541) 389-0261.
