Oral Hygiene
Hillsboro, OR
 You hear it so often that taking care of your mouth is essential for maintaining your oral health. However, how often do you practice the habits you are told will help? Despite knowing the ADA recommendations for oral hygiene at home and the importance of regular dental visits, many people still skip out. Even occasionally missing a brushing or flossing session can significantly increase your risk for developing serious oral health issues. Century Dental can help you to maintain good oral hygiene, which can help you to maintain optimal oral health.
Why is Oral Hygiene So Important?
Your mouth has many different components, all of which perform some different tasks. Your teeth enable you to bite and chew. They are also an integral part of your smile. Your gums help to protect the roots of your teeth and the supporting structures from bacterial attack. They help to provide stability for your teeth and are also an important part of your smile. Even your jawbone plays a role. The jaw aids in biting and chewing, speech, and the maintenance of your facial shape. Taking proper care of your mouth is crucial for ensuring that all of these components remain healthy and can optimally perform their different jobs.
Oral Care at Home
Most of your oral care takes place at home. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, you should do so for two minutes each time, taking care to go over every surface. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle motions. Avoid brushing too hard, as this can lead to gum recession and wear on your tooth enamel.
It is also recommended that you floss at least once a day. Gently work the floss back and forth to get the floss between your teeth. Scrape up and down the sides of each tooth, including behind your very back teeth. Take care not to snap the floss against your gums, as this can cause bleeding that can increase your risk for gum disease.
Tools for Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining your oral health requires the right tools. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended, although an electric toothbrush can also be quite helpful. Many electric brushes have built-in timers so that you know when you have brushed for a full two minutes. Using a fluoridated toothpaste can help to restore missing fluoride from your teeth, restoring strength to your enamel. For floss, traditional floss or floss picks can be used. Floss picks are often recommended for those who have difficulty with manual dexterity. Other tools to consider having on hand include:
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An antibacterial mouthwash.
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Interproximal toothbrushes.
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An oral irrigator. |
Professional Care for a Healthy Mouth
Along with taking care of your mouth, it is also crucial that you have your mouth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. While twice a year might not seem like much, these visits are essential. dental cleanings are designed to help clean out all areas of your mouth, including those that you might not be able to completely access on a regular basis. Exams help us to detect oral health issues in their earliest stages, helping to provide you with the treatments you need to avoid more invasive, more expensive, treatments later on.
Taking proper care of your mouth helps to ensure that your mouth stays happy and healthy. For more information on oral hygiene, call Century Dental at (971) 708-1608 today. |
