At Nevada City Smiles in Nevada City, CA, we know a thing or two about oral hygiene and realize how important it is to stay on top of one’s oral health. At our practice, we make it our mission to provide the services that will improve both beauty and function of every patient’s smile. But, you can do your part by equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to properly take care of your oral hygiene at home. If you take the right steps now, it will save you time and money in the long run!
The Importance Of Oral Hygiene
The human mouth is a dirty place that can contain a variety of harmful bacteria. It’s not uncommon for people over 35 to lose more teeth as a result of gum diseases like periodontal disease. This is a result of bacterial plaque sitting on your gum line for long periods. The longer plaque is not taken care of the more harmful it is to your oral health, eventually creating serious problems for your overall health down the line. The best way you can prevent these problems – as well as others like them, including bad breath – is by practicing good dental hygiene daily!
How To Brush Your Teeth
To ensure that your teeth are clean and healthy, our dentists recommend using a soft-to-medium toothbrush. To begin, brush at a right angle where your teeth meet the gums with gentle circular motions in small strokes on both sides while moving it back towards yourself to reach all areas. Pay special attention to the back molars and make sure every gap is reached. Use light pressure but not so much as this might cause discomfort! Follow the same steps when cleaning the inside of your teeth.
To clean the inside of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically and make gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Gently brush surrounding gum tissue too! Next, clean the biting surface of your teeth by using soft and gentle strokes. When you are done brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any plaque that might have been loosened while cleaning.
After that, you will have a fresher and brighter smile, cleared of any harmful bacteria. It is important to note that this process works best when done daily and frequently, at least twice a day. Bacteria will build up over time, so the more care you give to your mouth, the better chance it has at combating germs.
How To Floss
If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, flossing is a must! It’s amazing how much plaque can accumulate on your teeth in just one day. If you don’t floss or brush properly, then the carelessness will lead to periodontal disease, which loves to grow in between your teeth and in places that brushing alone can not reach, which is why it is extremely important to develop a proper flossing technique.
Starting with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long, lightly wrap most on your middle finger. Then do the same on the other hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force it or try to snap in place, bring it up against one tooth and curve away from that same side before gently sliding under the gum line towards the other direction until you feel resistance.
When you are finished, rinse your mouth out with water to get rid of the plaque that was loosened. Once done with that, you will have a stronger and healthier mouth. Just like brushing, flossing is not a one-and-done activity. Regular flossing is the best way to ensure that your teeth are getting the proper care they need.
Oral Hygiene Products
When it comes to oral hygiene products, there are so many options out there that it can get overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we are here to help! We have seen many patients benefit from electric toothbrushes and oral irrigators. For toothpaste and mouth rinses, those with fluoride are always preferred as fluoride is an ingredient that has proven to help fight against tooth decay.
Of course, nothing beats having your teeth professionally cleaned. With our professional cleanings, our team can get rid of any pesky plaque left behind by using state-of-the-art dental technology. To schedule your professional cleaning appointment, contact our office today!
