Oral Health 101

A bright and winning smile is a product of proper dental care habits. Sadly, many people are guilty of using improper techniques that do not fully promote optimum oral health. Yet it is never too late to begin caring for your teeth properly. Listed below are the necessary steps and techniques to help protect that dazzling smile.

BRUSHING

• You should brush your teeth at least twice per day for a minimum of two minutes per session.
• Always use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that you find comfortable to use. For better results, use an electric of battery-operated toothbrush as they can reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual brushing alone.
• Brush your teeth by holding the toothbrush at a slight angle and directing the bristles toward where the tooth and gum meet. Brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, along with your tongue, by using short back-and-forth motions.
• Once you are done brushing your teeth, make sure that you thoroughly rinse off the toothbrush and then store it upright to air-dry.
• Replace your toothbrush when the bristles become frayed. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

FLOSSING

Flossing is an important component of proper oral health as the toothbrush cannot reach the spaces under the gumline between your teeth. Use around 18 inches of floss. You should wind the majority of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, with the rest around the middle finger of the other hand. Use your thumbs and forefingers to grip the floss.

• Gently guide the floss between your teeth by using a rubbing motion. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it against one tooth. If you sharply pull the floss into your gum, you may cut it and cause it to bleed. If this happens, just rinse your mouth out with cold tap water a few times.
• Once the floss has reached the juncture of the gumline and tooth, gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Repeat for each individual tooth and unwrap fresh floss as you proceed.

MORE ORAL HEALTH CARE TIPS

Brushing and flossing are the two most necessary methods for maintaining your oral health, but there are additional things that you can do. Using a mouth rinse (antimicrobial or one containing fluoride) on a daily basis is one positive means to keep your mouth healthy and happy. If you find food trapped in your teeth that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, you might try an oral irrigator. This is a device that shoots a stream of water at your teeth. Additionally, toothpicks can be used to debride food particles lodged between the teeth. Used correctly they provide stimulation to the gum tissue promoting tissue health.

SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY

You should schedule regular checkups with your dentist, at least two times per year. We here at Spring Mountain Dental constantly emphasize the importance of prevention. We will thoroughly look for any issues before they can become major problems. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following issues:

• Red, tender, or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Gums that begin pulling away from your teeth
• Loose permanent teeth
• Changes in the alignment of your top and bottom teeth
• Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold
• Persistent bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth

Early detection of any oral health care problems can help ensure a satisfying outcome to any problems that arise. If you are suffering from any of the issues above, you can call Spring Mountain Dental at (702) 368-3854 to make an appointment.