As a dental patient, you have a lot of control over you own dental health. Your daily dental hygiene routine and treatment choices can keep your smile clean and healthy for years to come. Although most patients already maintain some kind of oral hygiene guidelines, it’s often helpful to have these oral hygiene tips handy in order to refresh your memory.
Our Elmhurst dental office offers these simple oral hygiene rules in the hopes that they’ll help you and your family maintain optimum dental health!
The first thing to do is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. Brushing and flossing regularly helps to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Both of these bacteria-laden substances can compromise the strength of dental enamel, causing cavities and periodontal disease.
It’s also important to pay attention to the tools you’re using to clean your teeth as well. Make sure to replace your toothbrush at least every two to three months. The bristles on your toothbrush are most effective when they are fresh and resilient.
Continuing on with the theme of assessing your oral hygiene tools, try to avoid using toothpicks, or sharp metal objects to clean your tooth. These instruments can damage your gums and weaken dental enamel.
Make sure to have professional dental cleanings at least every 6 months. Professional dental cleanings are the only way that you can eliminate calcified tartar and calculus from your mouth. Your professional dental cleaning will give you clean dental slate—which you will then be able to maintain until your next professional cleanings.
Don’t hesitate to report any new problems you experience to your dentist. If you notice any unusual pain, gum deterioration, or changes in your breath, give your dentist a call right away. It’s almost always easier to treat dental problems in the earliest stages of progression.
Follow these simple tips to keep your smile in tiptop shape! If you want to learn more about general dentistry options or schedule a complimentary consultation with our Elmhurst dentists, give us a call!
