Just about every patient who visits a dental practice will leave with a few tips about oral hygiene. Dental professionals can be a valuable resource for how to keep the mouth healthy and can talk at length about oral hygiene. Here are four things a dentist may want you to know about how to care for the mouth.
While tooth brushing before bed is a good start, there are other habits to form that can encourage oral health.
Most people tend to use toothpaste in a similar manner to soap. After applying the toothpaste and lathering up, water is used to rinse out the residue. The truth is, toothpaste can be more effective when allowed to remain on the teeth. It is a topical agent and useful for more than scrubbing away food particles. The ingredients in toothpaste can get rid of harmful bacteria, and leaving it on the teeth longer can give it more time to work. After brushing, spit out the foam, but refrain from rinsing for 30 minutes for maximum results.
Not all tooth issues cause pain until the problem is serious. There can be visible signs of tooth decay before any pain is felt, and picking up on these indicators can allow a dentist to prevent further damage to the tooth. The following are warning signs to look for when brushing:
Any of these can indicate tooth decay and should result in a visit to the dentist.
In many cases, people do not visit a dental practice until they experience severe pain. This can result in extensive, costly repairs. By alerting a dental professional at the first hint of pain, the procedures required to fix the issue can be minor. Even if the sensation is closer to discomfort or heightened sensitivity than actual pain, it can still be worth mentioning. After all, sensations are the body's way of pointing out problems or irregularities.
Sporadic flossing can actually be harmful to the gums. Those who only floss once a week or when there is a piece of popcorn lodged in the teeth are at a higher risk of gum disease. When teeth are not flossed daily, plaque, tartar and bacteria can build up around the gum line and cause infection, irritation and swelling. Flossing irritated gums every so often can only irritate them more and make the problem worse.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Practice in San Francisco, CA.
Proper oral hygiene is essential for a healthy mouth. Daily brushing and flossing using the correct technique can not only keep the mouth clean but also increase awareness of any changes. Paying attention to the appearance of and sensations in the teeth can allow potential issues to be addressed by a dental practice before further damage is done.
Request an appointment or call Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry at 415-362-1102 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
Silver vs. Tooth-Colored Fillings When faced with the decision of choosing between silver (amalgam) and tooth-colored (composite) fillings, understanding the differences and benefits of each can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your dental health goals. Let's explore the characteristics, advantages, and considerations of both types of fillings to help you decide…
Tooth-Colored Fillings In the realm of modern dentistry, tooth-colored fillings have revolutionized the way we approach dental care. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, which stand out against natural teeth, tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Let's delve into why tooth-colored fillings have become a preferred choice for dental restoration and…
Cosmetic Dental Bonding A confident smile can often be the key to making a lasting impression. Whether it's for a job interview, a date, or simply feeling good about yourself, the appearance of our teeth can significantly impact our self-esteem. Fortunately, cosmetic dental bonding offers a simple and effective solution to address various imperfections and…