As your dentist, I would like to think of being a partner in your dental health. It is important that you do your part at home to keep periodontal disease away. Taking care of your teeth at home can help you maintain your dental health and prevent periodontal, or gum, disease from developing. My advice is to brush thoroughly, at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening before going to bed, and do it after every meal when I can. Proper dental care at home, combined with seeing your dentist regularly, is your ticket to good dental health.
Dental Health at Home
Use products that have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal. This means that the products — toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc. are safe to use as directed and will keep your mouth healthy. Spend at least three minutes brushing your teeth two times a day. Use a timer if you have to ensure that you’re spending enough time on your oral care routine. Use floss at least once a day every day to clean between your teeth. The goal of regular home care is to combat the buildup of plaque in and around your teeth and gums, and fight bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Adults who neglect their teeth and let plaque build up often develop infections in the delicate tissue around their teeth.
Consequences of Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene invites plaque to accumulate around the base of your teeth and gum line, causing your gums to become red and inflamed. If allowed to accumulate on teeth and gums, will cause tooth decay and gum disease,” Dr. Price explained. Furthermore, if you neglect the care of your teeth at home and fail to go to the dentist regularly, accumulated plaque could potentially lead to the development of empty spaces around your teeth. These spaces could eventually lead to the destruction of bone and other fragile tissues supporting your teeth, and you could lose your teeth. The good news is that being diligent about your dental health care and getting regular dental checkups can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early gum disease. A plaque-free mouth is a healthy mouth. Along with regular dental checkups, proper bushing and flossing are the only effective ways I know of preventing plaque buildup.
Dr Arash Asil DDS, is a dentist at Smile Design Dental Group in San Clemente, CA. Call (949) 481-2000 or click here to make an appointment.
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