You have the opportunity to reduce your risk for gum disease, which affects about half of the adult population over 30 years old, as well as cavities, which afflict up to 90% of adults. Risks for these progressive conditions increase with age. The first line of defense begins at your bathroom sink with a solid daily oral hygiene routine.
Many small dental issues, like tooth demineralization which is the precursor to cavities, and gum irritation which presents before gum disease, will worsen over time if left untreated. Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing can prevent a host of oral health concerns. In today’s blog, you’ll learn how to take great care of your teeth, gums, and entire mouth in the comfort of your home.
Every six months, it is imperative you visit Signature Smile Arts in Homewood for a thorough checkup and cleaning. We will detect any issues with your oral health and can stop small problems from escalating to cause you pain, expense, and time at appointments. Call us today at (708) 799-5353 to schedule your visit with one of our gentle, experienced dentists.
Skipping Daily Dental Hygiene
Why do you need to brush twice and floss daily? It all has to do with the microbiome in your mouth, meaning the oral environment. Biofilm naturally forms on teeth and contains bacteria, as well as proteins, food particles, and saliva. As biofilm matures and thickens, it turns into plaque, that yellowish, sticky substance that builds up on teeth, making them feel fuzzy and thick. Plaque tends to build up at the gum line, where teeth and gums meet, and there, bacteria will eat away the bonds between gums and teeth to create periodontal pockets and infection.
Over 24 hours, plaque calcifies, hardening into tartar, which we sometimes call calculus. Tartar, unlike plaque, is not water-soluble, so it must be scraped off teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist at cleaning appointments. Plaque causes cavities (dental caries), gum irritation and disease (gingivitis, periodontitis), and bad breath (halitosis). Brushing twice and flossing once a day removes thickening biofilm, plaque, and related bacteria to protect tooth enamel and gum health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, “Brush twice daily and floss every day to remove plaque and debris… Gingivitis can be largely prevented and treated with self-care and professional cleanings.”
Common Issues from Inconsistent Care
If you brush just once a day or less, and floss rarely if ever, you may notice these problems arise:
- Bad Breath
- Sore Gums
- Toothaches
- Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Mouth Sores
Your teeth and gums should not hurt, ever. If they do, you need to call us at Signature Smiles in Homewood so that we can help you build a strong daily oral hygiene routine with the right products for your unique microbiome.
Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing
About a half hour after breakfast and again after dinner, brush your teeth for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush that you replace every three to four months. Use gentle pressure and circular motions, holding the brush head at a 45-degree angle to ensure the base of teeth at the gum line are thoroughly cleaned. All patients over three years of age should use an ADA-approved, fluoridated toothpaste. Those under three should use unfluoridated toothpaste. Rinse afterward.
Flossing
Once a day, before brushing, floss between all of your teeth, moving from the base up, back and forth. Try not to injure your gum tissue; be gentle but thorough. The goal is to remove plaque from on and between teeth. You can use a roll of floss or pre-threaded, disposable flossers. Some people find that flossers are easier to handle and manipulate in the small confines of the mouth, and so they’re more likely to keep up with daily flossing if they use pre-threaded flossers. Because plaque turns to tartar in 24 hours, flossing once a day is sufficient but important. Brush your teeth and rinse afterward.
Tongue Cleaning
This step is optional. If you seem to have a lot of plaque build up or you suffer from persistent bad breath, try a tongue scraper. Found on the oral hygiene aisle next to the toothbrushes, tongue scrapers are widely available. All you have to do is gently skim the scraper across your tongue to remove plaque and debris from the bumpy surface. Rinse afterward.
Mouthwash
This step is optional. An alcohol-free antiseptic mouth wash can add another layer of protection to your daily oral hygiene routine. Mouthwashes may contain fluoride or sodium fluoride (NaF) which helps protect teeth from tooth decay. An ingredient called CPC, or cetylpyridinium chloride, helps control bacteria. Other ingredients may include essential oils, xylitol, hydrogen peroxide for whitening, and/or chlorhexidine (CHX), which is a prescription medication often used prior to and following oral surgery.
Hydration
This is not optional. In fact, it’s essential. Saliva requires water, or hydration. Some patients don’t produce enough saliva, a condition called dry mouth or xerostomia. This group of patients should use a synthetic saliva, like Biotene. However, everyone should drink plenty of water all day, every day, to hydrate and cleanse the oral microbiome. This means you should drink approximately eight to ten cups of pure water every single dayc. You can also rinse your mouth with water after meals, swishing to help remove food particles and bacteria before spitting.
When to Call the Dentist
In addition to attending six-month checkups and cleanings, if you notice any of the following symptoms, please call us for an appointment. We want to help you catch and address dental issues before they worsen.
- Persistent bad breath
- Bleeding, sore, or swollen gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Recurring or persistent toothache
- Mouth sores lasting more than 14 days
- Pain or swelling around wisdom teeth
- Loose teeth
- Visible dental symptoms, like the presence of a chip, crack, or cavity
- Constantly sore jaw joints
Schedule Checkups and Cleanings Now
Please allow us to custom-create your home oral hygiene routine to maximize daily brushing and flossing. We can demonstrate techniques, provide tips, and advise on which products to use. For instance, if you have a high prevalence of cavities, fluoride is an important ingredient in your oral hygiene products. If your teeth feel sensitive, we may suggest Sensodyne or an alternative toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity. Call us today at (708) 799-5353 or reserve your appointment online.
