Taking care of your oral health should always be a top priority. To help you start the year with this in mind, here are dental hygiene tips to keep your mouth healthy in 2023.
Some of the easiest ways to keep up with oral health are:
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings
- Get sealant treatments
- Practice good oral hygiene
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups Important To Maintain?
Dental exams and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health. They allow dentists to see the overall condition of your teeth and gums and detect any dental issues on time. When detected early, these problems can be reversed or easily treated. Your general dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and bite. Professional dental cleanings, performed by a registered dental hygienist, will include the removal of tartar, plaque, and teeth polishing. If nothing was found during the exam, your appointment would be complete. If restorative treatments are needed, you may have the option of doing them on the same day or rescheduling for a future date.
In What Ways Can Sealants Help Your Oral Health?
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars, and any deep grooves of teeth. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are more prone to cavities. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves and creating a smooth and easy-to-clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years but must be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits. Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will help prolong your new sealant’s life.
Why Should You Practice Good Oral Hygiene?
Brushing your teeth involves three essential parts which are brushing your teeth, flossing, and using a mouth rinse. Preventative dental care starts with you. To reduce cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis, brush your teeth regularly, floss, and limit your intake of sugary, acidic, and hard foods. If you do eat sugary or acidic foods, brush your teeth as soon as possible or drink water to remove as many particles as possible.
However, making these habits correct is detrimental to your teeth. If you brush too hard or too long you can end up hurting your teeth by wearing out your tooth enamel. To ensure this does not happen, we have the following tips:
- The best way to protect your smile is to buy a powered toothbrush with soft bristles. These types of brushes have built-in equipment that makes sure you brush your teeth with adequate time and pressure.
- By gently flossing, you are removing bacteria and plaque in areas where your toothbrush fails to properly reach. This can also help prevent bad breath by removing trapped debris and food between teeth.
- When it comes to a mouth rinse, swishing the liquid around in your mouth for up to a minute can help reach hidden areas that brushing and flossing can miss.
Would I Benefit From Preventative Dentistry?
Dental cleanings, exams, positive habits, and specific dental treatments ensure the best oral health. At Empire Dental in Kamloops, BC, we want to go above and beyond to leave you with a smile you can be proud of. If you are considering any of these services call (250) 374-722, text us at (250) 299-7231, or email us at info@empiredental.ca to determine which procedure is right for you.
