Your home dental care is the foundation and most important part of your oral health. Yes, getting your routine dental cleanings and checkups is important, but it is the care you take of your teeth at home that helps make or break your oral health in the long run. Dentist of Bixby Knolls will be your partner in helping you take the best possible care of your teeth, both at home and in our office.
Home care refers to everything that you do outside of the Bixby Knolls office to help take care of your teeth. This includes brushing and flossing, of course, but it can also include using mouthwash, eating a balanced diet, and drinking enough water.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. You should also floss at least once a day, either with string, floss picks, or a WaterPik. You can also add mouthwash to your home care routine once or twice a day.
You should brush your teeth for two minutes at a time with a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush. Brush gently in small circles, spending at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. Brush your tongue when you are finished with your teeth, either with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
Do not brush too hard because it can damage your teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 to 6 months and after each time you become ill.
Getting metal or ceramic braces requires a shift in your home care to accommodate the appliances and keep them clean. You will need to add a second step to brushing. After using your regular toothbrush, you should brush with an interdental brush to clean between the wires and brackets.
Use only waxed floss when flossing manually with string and be sure to unthread the floss carefully from each tooth to avoid dislodging the wires. It is a good idea to switch to a WaterPik when you have braces, as they work better than traditional flossing.
Getting dentures will change your home care routine slightly. You will need to remove and rinse your dentures after eating. You will still need to brush any remaining teeth and your gums at least twice a day, and preferably whenever you remove your dentures.
Your dentures will need to be stored properly when not in use to maintain their shape. Your provider will give you instructions for caring for your specific type of dentures when you get them. Be sure to follow these instructions to the letter. Also, be sure to rinse your dentures before reinserting them each morning as the chemicals in the denture cleaning solutions are toxic.
You only see your provider at the Bixby Knolls office twice a year. This means the majority of your oral health is dependent on what you do at home. A good oral hygiene routine will keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It will also make your teeth cleanings quicker and easier.
Likewise, if you do not follow a good oral hygiene routine, you can develop plaque and tartar that will be hard to remove during your routine teeth cleanings. This may lead to the need for a deep dental cleaning to treat gum disease or the development of cavities.
Call (562) 287-5175 and make an appointment with Dentist of Bixby Knolls today!
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