Proper oral hygiene extends beyond just the health of your mouth–infections that start in your mouth can sometimes affect the rest of your body too. Our busy lives can make maintaining good dental care be an uphill battle. Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and making routine visits to the dentist are all essential for keeping your teeth in good shape and will challenge us as we age.
Although the general rule is to brush and floss at least twice a day, we should also consider brushing when needed rather than waiting until your routine schedule. If you just ate something sweet and are planning to nap, consider doing a bit of a clean first. If you have something stuck between your teeth, floss it out immediately rather than waiting for your night-time routine.
Flossing Improves Bad Breath
Flossing is the most effective way to remove dental plaque from between your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the surfaces of the teeth. It can lead to gum disease and cavities if not removed regularly.
Floss, unlike toothbrushes and toothpastes, are easy to bring around. Ask for additional sample-sized floss from us after your visits so you have something to carry in your bag/purse. You can even buy small plastic packs that can fit in your wallet.
Although some may just be concerned with the appearance of food stuck between their teeth, not leaving debris between your teeth will also prevent swollen gums and bad breath.
Regular Dental Care
Getting regular dental care is a crucial part of maintaining oral hygiene. Dentists check your teeth and gums for signs of disease, including cavities and gum disease.
Follow your dentist’s schedule for regular cleanings even if everything “feels fine”. Regular check-ups allow for your dentist to track potential issues and intervene before it gets bad. An effective dentist-patient relationship is one where the dental team knows their patient well enough to make decisions that prioritizes health and allows for treatment that aligns with the patient’s lifestyle–this is something that is developed over many interactions.
At Cygnet Dental, we love to see all our patients. It is heartening to see families grow between each appointment. We enjoy sharing stories and seeing our community grow around us. We can’t wait to see you again!
