Oral Hygiene Instructions

Oral hygiene is such a natural part of human life; unfortunately, it doesn’t always come naturally to all people. You have one set of permanent teeth that are supposed to last you a lifetime. The least you can do is ensure that you take care of them correctly. Failure to do this may result in tooth loss and costly dental bills, to name a few. Do yourself a huge favor and familiarize yourself with the following crucial tips on how to care for your teeth correctly:

Brushing and Flossing

Brush your teeth carefully twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and American Dental Association-approved toothpaste. Each brushing session should last at least two minutes. The sessions should be longer for special cases, such as if you have braces. In regards to flossing, make sure to floss at least once every day. During your visit to Fort Myers Dental Arts, our dentist will demonstrate the proper brushing technique, which ensures effectiveness without hurting your gums or teeth.

Dental Exams and Cleanings

Make sure to visit our dentist every six months for a thorough examination and professional cleaning. For exceptional circumstances, for example, if you’re suffering from gingivitis or gum disease, you may need to make more frequent visits. Dental exams help in the early identification of dental problems before they escalate into bigger issues, while regular professional cleanings prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

Diet Choices and Lifestyle Habits

Some habits are harmful to your oral health, and will easily undo all the excellent work accomplished by regular brushing and flossing. Avoid excessive consumption of tobacco (including smoking), candy, hard food items such as nuts and chips, and sugary beverages. If you must indulge your sweet tooth, brush your teeth immediately afterward.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a severe inflammation of the gum tissues, which, when untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Some early signs of gum disease include tooth sensitivity, redness or swelling of gums, unexplained bleeding of gums and bad breath. If you’re showing any of these signs, reach out to our dentist immediately. To lower your risk of gum disease, make sure that you brush and floss your teeth every day.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when saliva production is compromised. Dry mouth may be caused by underlying medical issues or may be a side effect of certain medications. You may also struggle with dry mouth if you’re a mouth-breather. Dry mouth is uncomfortable and can cause bad breath as well. If you find yourself feeling as if your mouth is dry or parched, you might want to get checked out by our dentist in Fort Myers, FL.

Oral Hygiene for Children

Always make sure that your children are practicing proper dental hygiene, so they can cultivate a mindset that prioritizes dental well-being. Children should get their first dental appointment as soon as their milk teeth start erupting, as this allows the dentist to catch dental issues while there’s still plenty of time for an intervention. Children can also benefit from preventive dental procedures such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants, which keep cavities at bay.