Home Care for Your Teeth - Dental Information at My Dentist USA

Prevention and early detection is the key to avoiding tooth decay and gum disease. A good home regimen, in addition to regular cleanings and exams, can spare you many expensive dental treatments. Prevention starts with controlling plaque, colorless bacteria that sticks to the surface of your teeth, and calculus, a harder mineral deposit. These are the main sources of decay and disease. By maintaining a proper routine of daily hygiene, you can avoid most oral maladies. Our hygienist is available to assist you with your hygiene and management of your gums.

No matter how diligent you are in your home dental care regimen, you should still get a dental exam and cleaning twice per year. The importance of regular dental exams cannot be overemphasized - dental exams are the cornerstone of good dental health. In particular, regular checkups are essential for early detection of more serious problems. Early detection makes treatment easier, less expensive, and more effective. In your dental exam, your dentist will perform the following routine checks:

Exams

Examine and assess gum health & check for gum disease
Examine any existing tooth decay
Take & analyze x-rays, which may reveal decay, bone loss, abscesses, tumors, cysts, & other problems.
Screen for the presence of oral cancer.
Verify the stability of any existing fillings or other restorations.

Brushing
As damaging as plaque can be, it is easily removed by mechanical brushing. Plaque deposits build up on the teeth fairly quickly after eating and drinking, and if they are not brushed away at least twice a day, they can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. It takes just one day for bacteria to build up enough to make your mouth susceptible to disease.

Flossing
Daily flossing is an effective way to clean teeth where regular brushing can't reach. To floss properly, take 18" of dental floss, wrap it around the middle finger of each hand, and pinch it between your thumb and index finger. Pull the floss taut, and then slide it gently between each tooth and under the gum line. Slide the floss up and down the side of each tooth to remove plaque buildup. Be sure to use a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Mouth Rinses
Over-the-counter mouth rinses can help to fight bad breath, remove loose food particles after brushing, which freshens the mouth. However, mouth rinses are never a substitute for brushing, flossing, or regular dental examinations, and may disguise warning signs of periodontal disease.

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Caring for Your Teeth at Home