There are many advanced procedures and techniques at the disposal of dental professionals, but the most important practice is performed by the patient. Prevention allows you to work with your dentist to preserve the long-term health, beauty, and function of your smile. By adhering to a steady oral hygiene routine between appointments, you can avoid complications and lengthy procedures altogether.
The Basics: Brushing and Flossing
Brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush allows you to address both your teeth and gums. This keeps your smile healthy and bright, but it’s important to brush at the right times. Brushing when you first wake up and right before bedtime allows your enamel to recover from being cleaned. If you were to brush right after eating citrus fruit or drinking an acidic juice, this can do more harm than good, since your enamel has already been weakened by the acids in these kinds of foods and beverages. The only time you want to add an extra brushing is after consuming sticky candy like taffy, caramel, or any high sugar content snack that sticks to your teeth.
An appropriate preventive measure to take during and after meals or sweets is drinking water or rinsing. This helps loosen up food particles and wash away remnants of acids that would otherwise adhere your teeth and lead to decay. It’s also important not to neglect your tongue during your brushing routine, as it can often be a hive of bacteria.
Flossing is probably the most neglected oral hygiene routine, mostly because of the difficulty involved in cleaning between hard to reach posterior teeth. There are ways to make your flossing routine easier, however. Most pharmacies and department stores offer floss picks, or interdental brushes, which enable you to comfortably reach rear molars, and are a necessity for those with braces. Floss picks are also a handy tool to have on the go; you can keep a bag in your car or at work, so you always have a way to clean after meals.
Avoiding Cavities and Extensive Treatments
When you practice daily prevention, you are taking a more active role in your oral health and overall wellbeing. Many issues can arise from teeth that are not properly taken care of – periodontal disease, cavities, and even oral cancer can develop if you are not vigilant between dental appointments.
Keeping those biannual appointments goes a long way toward preserving your health as well. During consultations and thorough exams, your trusted dental professional will be able to pinpoint potential issues before they seriously compromise your oral health. As always, it’s important to view your dentist as your partner in oral health.
To schedule an appointment with a compassionate dental team, call Willowbrook Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center in Calgary today!