Dental Hygiene

Nov 15, 2022 | Plymouth Dentistry

ORAL/DENTAL HYGIENE

What is Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth healthy and free of disease and other issues. This includes regular tooth brushing (dental hygiene), cleaning in between your teeth, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for dental X-rays, exams, and cleanings. To be able to prevent dental disease and bad breath, oral hygiene must be practiced on a regular basis. The most prevalent dental diseases are gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis as well as tooth decay (also known as dental caries).

Benefits of Good Hygiene:

  • Prevents Cavities & Gum Disease
  • Keeps Your Bright Smile
  • Prevents More Serious Diseases
  • Stops Bad Breath
  • Lower dental Care Costs 

Easy 4 Step Routine for Good Oral hygiene

To keep your teeth and gums healthy:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day (after breakfast and before bedtime)
    • Brushing is important in the removal of dental plaque. Dental plaque is a clingy, invisible film of bacteria, that must be eliminated to maintain the health of your teeth. Plaque accumulation can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. 
    • Brushing tips:
      • Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is what protects teeth from tooth decay.
      • Angle the bristles toward the gumline, so they clean between the gums and teeth.
      • Brush gently using small, circular motions. Do not scrub hard back and forth.
      • Brush all sides of each tooth.
  • Use dental floss daily to prevent the: 
    • Flossing is helpful  for the removal of  food and dental plaque from between teeth or places a toothbrush has difficulty reaching or is unable to reach
  • Clean your tongue regularly by using a toothbrush or a tongue scraper
    • Debris, bacteria, and dead cells can build up on your tongue over time. This can lead to bad breath and have a negative impact on your overall oral health. Using a tongue scraper can help remove this buildup, as well as: Improve your sense of taste.
  • See your dentist for routine dental checkups:
    • People with good oral health will probably need to attend only once every 6 to 12 months, but those with more problems will need check-ups more often. child’s first visit to the dentist should be around age 3.
  • Why routine dental checkups are important?
    • Visit the dentist for regular examinations and cleanings. A check-up enables your dentist to determine whether you have any dental issues and assists you in maintaining oral health. It’s best to deal with issues as soon as they arise or, if possible, prevent them altogether because problems that go untreated could become more challenging to treat in the future.

Your Dental Checkup Includes

  • Medical history/current medicines:
    • If you have received a medical diagnosis, let your dentist know. It’s critical to disclose to your dentist all of your health concerns, not just those you believe have to do with your mouth.
  • Visual examination:
    • Along with looking for broken and decayed teeth, the dentist will also check for growths and sores on the tongue, lips, gums, roof, and floor of your mouth, as well as the mucous membranes that line your cheeks and gums. Then, your dentist will feel pain, tenderness, and flexibility in the lymph nodes in your neck, head, and jaw.
  • Gingival Pocket Exam
    • The primary goal of the periodontal examination is to quickly identify any gum issues. It is a quick and easy way to check for gingivitis or periodontitis. A gum probe (periodontal probe) is used to gently and precisely measure the depth of penetration at the gum line. If there is evidence of damage to the structures holding the teeth in the jawbone, additional testing is done after this brief examination. These additional investigations also involve additional X-rays and what is known as the periodontal status.
  • Digital Diagnostics:
    • Digital Diagnostics includes x-rays which are helpful in the diagnosis of dental problems that cannot be found during a normal visual examination. X-rays may or may not be taken during your checkup. Your dentist will consider your oral exam, dental history, and risk for developing cavities to decide how often you need X-rays.
    • Digital diagnosis also includes 3D Imaging. The precise location and shape of each tooth are determined by three-dimensional imaging technology.
  • Professional Teeth Cleaning and polishing:
    • Teeth cleaning is a procedure for removing tartar (mineralized plaque), which can still form despite careful brushing and flossing, particularly in areas that are challenging to reach with regular toothbrushing. The natural shine of your teeth is enhanced by dental polishing, which also makes them appear glossy and smooth.
  • Electronic Dental Records:
    • The dental record, or patient’s chart, is the official office document that records the treatment done in the dental office. The dental record also serves to provide continuity of care for the patient

Request An Appointment with a Dentist in Plymouth, Michigan

Dr. Rahaf Suede, DDS at Great Lakes Smiles Dental is trusted by many patients in Plymouth and surrounding areas for comprehensive dental care. She is recognized for her high quality dental treatment and patient satisfaction. Contact her now for an appointment Call (734) 459-9360

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