How many times have you brushed your teeth? If you’ve done it twice a day every day, then that’s a lot of times! And because brushing your teeth plays a crucial part in your oral health, you want to get the most out of every brushing session.
Beautiful smiles start with the professionals at Pomerado Family Dental. We provide comprehensive treatment options for the dental needs of individuals and families in Poway. Along with good dental hygiene at home, routine professional dental cleanings can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
Why Is Good Dental Hygiene Important?
Good dental hygiene involves more than simply keeping your smile looking clean. Plaque continually forms on your teeth and along the gumline. If it isn’t removed effectively through brushing, flossing, and professional dental care, it can contribute to cavities, gum inflammation, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
A consistent oral hygiene routine can help remove plaque and food particles, protect your tooth enamel, keep your gums healthy, and reduce your risk of developing common dental problems.
8 Tips for Better Dental Hygiene at Home
Here’s how to make each brushing and cleaning session as thorough and effective as possible:
- Use the proper technique. Tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and start at the gumline. Brush each tooth’s surface: the outside, the inside, and the top. Use gentle, controlled motions rather than aggressively scrubbing your teeth.
- Establish a pattern so you don’t miss an area. For example, begin with the outer surfaces of your top teeth, then do the outer surfaces of your bottom teeth. Next, move on to the inner surfaces of your top and bottom teeth. Finish by brushing every chewing surface.
- Don’t rush it. Have each brushing session last for at least two minutes so you have enough time to thoroughly clean all areas of your mouth.
- Pick the brush that’s best for you. Choose a toothbrush that allows you to comfortably reach all areas of your mouth. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective when used properly. If you’re unsure which type is right for you, talk about it with your dentist.
- Use the right toothpaste. For most people, fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. Look for a toothpaste with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance and choose a product appropriate for your individual dental needs.
- Floss the right way. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and under the gumline rather than snapping it against your gums. Curve the floss around the side of each tooth and use a clean section as you progress from tooth to tooth. For more help, see our tips for flossing your teeth properly.
- Keep your brush in good shape. Keep your toothbrush clean by rinsing it after use and allowing it to air dry. Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head approximately every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed and less effective.
- Put your tongue in the mix. Bacteria and food particles can collect on the surface of your tongue and contribute to bad breath. Gently brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper can help remove this buildup.
Why Brushing and Flossing Help Prevent Cavities
Good dental hygiene is one of your first lines of defense against tooth decay. Bacteria in dental plaque can produce acids that gradually damage tooth enamel. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth helps remove plaque before it has a chance to cause more significant problems.
Your diet matters, too. Frequent exposure to sugary foods and beverages can increase the amount of time your teeth are exposed to cavity-causing acids.
If tooth decay does develop, treating it early can help prevent the cavity from becoming larger or reaching deeper areas of the tooth. Dental fillings can be used to repair teeth affected by cavities and restore damaged tooth structure.
How Good Oral Hygiene Protects Your Gums
Your dental hygiene routine is just as important for your gums as it is for your teeth. Plaque that remains along the gumline can irritate gum tissue and contribute to redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding.
If your gums regularly bleed when you brush or floss, don’t simply ignore the symptom. Persistent gum inflammation may indicate that you need a dental evaluation. Depending on the health of your gums, your dentist may recommend additional preventive care or periodontal treatment.
Why Are Professional Dental Cleanings Important?
Even if you brush and floss thoroughly every day, professional dental care remains an important part of maintaining your oral health. Once plaque hardens into tartar, normal brushing and flossing cannot completely remove it.
During a professional dental cleaning, your dental team can remove plaque and tartar from areas that are difficult to clean effectively at home. Routine dental visits also provide an opportunity to check for early signs of cavities, gum problems, damaged teeth, and other oral health concerns.
Preventive visits are an important part of general dentistry and work together with your at-home dental hygiene routine to help protect your smile.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Good home care is essential, but you shouldn’t wait until you have a toothache to visit your dentist. Schedule an evaluation if you notice persistent bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, ongoing bad breath, tooth pain, loose teeth, gum recession, or other changes in your teeth or gums.
Routine examinations can also identify dental problems before they begin causing noticeable discomfort, which may allow for simpler treatment.
Dental Hygiene and Professional Dental Cleanings in Poway, CA
Good dental hygiene starts at home, but professional preventive care can help you get even more out of your daily brushing and flossing routine.
At the office of Pomerado Family Dental, our skilled and knowledgeable team provides personalized dental care for individuals and families in Poway. We can evaluate your oral health, professionally clean your teeth, and provide recommendations for maintaining a healthy smile between visits.
You can also take a tour of our office to learn more about Pomerado Family Dental.
Schedule an appointment today to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene
How often should I brush my teeth?
Most people should brush their teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Spend approximately two minutes brushing and make sure you clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
How often should I floss?
Cleaning between your teeth should be part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush cannot effectively reach.
Do I need professional cleanings if I brush and floss every day?
Yes. Brushing and flossing are essential, but they cannot completely remove tartar once it has hardened on your teeth. Professional cleanings remove this buildup and give your dental team an opportunity to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
Bleeding gums can occur when gum tissue is irritated or inflamed. If your gums regularly bleed when brushing or flossing, schedule a dental evaluation to determine the cause.
Can poor dental hygiene cause bad breath?
Yes. Plaque, food particles, bacteria on the tongue, and gum problems can all contribute to bad breath. Persistent bad breath may be a reason to have your oral health evaluated by a dentist.
By Pomerado Family Dental