March 2, 2018
Over time, it’s common for people to forget what they need to be doing in between their regular dentist visits. On the other hand, children who are just learning the steps in regular oral care need help establishing these habits well into adulthood. Regardless, your best defense against gum disease and tooth decay is a strict oral care regimen. Without it, you put your oral and overall health at risk.
Today, your same day dentistry in Southfield wanted to provide a few tips they thought were worthwhile, as well as how to recognize a dental emergency.
Master Your Brushing Technique
The first step to keeping a healthy smile in between visits is to brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Make sure you’re using a fluoridated toothpaste as this is proven to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent gum disease, and reduce tooth decay. For a more thorough cleaning, consider purchasing an electric or sonic toothbrush, which also makes cleaning easier.
Start by cleaning the front surface of your teeth, then begin focusing on the four corners of your mouth. Dedicate at least 30 seconds of short, controlled strokes to the tops and sides of your teeth, then give your tongue a thorough scrub. This works to remove the bad breath-causing bacteria typically found in the biofilm that collects on your tongue.
Commit to Flossing Daily
Make today the day that you start flossing. When you don’t floss, you miss 40 percent of the plaque that’s built up in your mouth. To start, pull out 12 to 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your left and right index fingers. Gently thread the floss in between each tooth and pull the floss back and forth. Avoid snapping the floss as this can cause it to shred more easily.
If you struggle to floss, consider purchasing floss picks or a floss holder to wrap the floss around. If you have tight cracks in between your teeth, purchase floss known for gliding against teeth. This floss is less likely to shred and is ideal for tight spaces.
Consider Adding a Mouthwash to Your Routine
A fluoridated mouthwash is great for adding extra protection to your enamel as well as removing plaque from the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. If you have trouble using mouthwash, purchase an alcohol-free rinse, but keep in mind this won’t work as well to kill bacteria that causes bad breath.
Recognize a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency is much easier to identify when you know what to look for. If any of the following signs appear, contact your same day dentistry in Southfield today for help and to schedule an appointment. Dental emergencies include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cracked teeth where the crack extends below the gum line
- Dislodged teeth
- Broken teeth
Don’t be afraid to call your dentist in Southfield ahead of your regularly scheduled appointment. It could mean the difference between saving your tooth and needing an implant!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey M. Solomon recommends that you visit him every six months to keep your oral health in check. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, he continued his education on many dental treatments and became a member of several dental organizations. To learn more about his preventive treatments and practice, contact him at (248) 557-5756 or visit his website.
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.