Practicing good oral hygiene basics is the best line of defense against cavities, abscesses and other problems that can plague a person’s mouth. A visit to the dentist can show someone where changes need to be made and help direct improvements in cleaning habits. The following information can more fully explain what needs to happen and why it is so important.
Allowing debris, acids and other dirt to stay on teeth, especially overnight, allows those bacteria-causing compounds to form tartar and plaque. These things can cause bad breath, minor or more serious cavities and even abscesses. Canker sores can form and receding gums — gingivitis — can be caused by neglecting a regular routine. In addition to the problems it can cause for your mouth, oral bacteria can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, dementia and a host of other general health issues.
When a regular routine of good oral hygiene basics is observed, it can become second nature and need not take a long time. As they say, “You only need to take care of the teeth you intend to keep.” That light-hearted saying holds a lot of truth. The following things should be done daily:
In addition to conscientiously observing good oral habits, there are other steps that can be taken. People should avoid crunching on hard candies and suckers, things like peanut brittle or toffee and even ice cubes, as these things can crack or break otherwise healthy teeth. Sticky and chewy foods like stiff caramel can loosen fillings, allowing bacteria inside the tooth. Acidic foods and sodas should be followed with a rinsing of the mouth. Care should also be taken to avoid biting non-food items such as paper clips or pencils.
In the absence of obvious dental problems, it is still a good idea to visit a dentist twice a year for routine checkups. A full panel X-ray can provide clear images of things going on in the roots of the teeth. Since it is possible to have a tooth go bad for reasons other than hygiene and maintenance, such as genetics and heredity, it becomes very important to check. Regular cleaning by a dental technician can help prevent issues, especially just below the gum line, and whitening can help teeth look more attractive.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Oral Hygiene Basics in Cumming, GA.
Oral health is not to be neglected and can make the difference when it comes to overall health. Thorough attention to oral hygiene basics can help ensure a healthier and more confident smile.
Request an appointment or call Cumming's Family Dentist at 770-205-9226 for an appointment in our Cumming office.
Many patients may not realize that dental health directly affects the immune system’s response. Everyone comes in contact with both viruses and bacteria that stress the body’s natural defense systems. When the body is healthy, these viruses often resolve in a few days. However, if the defenses are weak, a viral attack can prevent the…
Our Cumming dentist office offers a bad breath treatment that can improve your life. This is no exaggeration considering that if you are known for having bad breath, it could seriously be hurting your social interactions. Halitosis, severe bad breath, can become so significant that people can make a confined space smell bad simply by…
We will go over oral hygiene basics during a cleaning and examination to ensure that the patient knows how to keep proper hygiene at home. Dental care at home is crucial for healthy and clean teeth. Oral Hygiene BasicsAt Cumming's Family Dentist in Cumming, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule…
You probably already know that Invisalign® trays look very different than traditional braces, but you may not know how ideal Invisalign is for many teens. Older teens are often very active in sports or might worry about how others think about teeth-straightening devices. The clear trays of Invisalign are less conspicuous than traditional braces. You…
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…